BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
A Festival of Lessons and Carols


GREETING

*OPENING CAROL: O Come All Ye Faithful #170

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15
 God announces in the Garden of Eden that the offspring of woman shall strike the serpent’s head.

CAROL: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear #160
 (verse 1,5)

SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18
God promises to faithful Abraham that by his offspring, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

CAROL: Good Christian Men, Rejoice #165

THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

FOURTH LESSON: Micah 5:2-4
The prophet Micah foretells the glory of Bethlehem.

CAROL: O Little Town of Bethlehem #171
(verse 1,4)

FIFTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel visits the blessed Virgin Mary
CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing #163


SIXTH LESSON: Matthew 1:18-21
St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.

CAROL: What Child is This? #159
(verse 1)

SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-20
The shepherds go to the manger.

CAROL: The First Noel #156
(verse 1,2)

EIGHTH LESSON: Matthew 2:1-11
The wise men are led by the star to the baby Jesus.

CAROL: We Three Kings of Orient Are #176
 (verses 1,5)

NINTH LESSON: John 1:1-14
St. John unfolds the mystery of the incarnate one.

*CAROL: Joy To the World! #161

The Lights will be dimmed. After the reading of the Christmas Story we will light the candles.

*TENTH LESSON: Luke 2:1-7
 The familiar Christmas story.

*CAROL: Silent Night! Holy Night!
(back of bulletin)

  • BENEDICTION

May the glory of Christmas shine in your lives throughout the year.
Silent Night, Holy Night


Silent Night, Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin, Mother and
Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in Heavenly peace,
Sleep in Heavenly peace.

Silent Night, Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven
afar,
Heavenly hosts sing, “Alleluia,”
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.

Silent Night, Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure Light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth.

Silent Night, Holy Night!
Wondrous Star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King.
Christ the Saviour is born.
Christ the Saviour is born.