Christmas Eve

Dec 20

Written By Heath Nettles

December 24, 2025 | A Service of Carols, Communion, and Candles

December 24, 2025 | Christmas Eve Online Worship Bulletin

Bringing in the Light of Christ
Chiming of the Trinity

Prelude

He Is Born arr. Joanne Brown-LeDoux

Welcome

Rev. Kelly Dotson

Call to Worship

Tonight, we gather in the deep beauty of winter’s night,
where shadows linger, and hope begins to stir.

We come because the Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Tonight, we hear the angels’ song again,
good news of great joy for all people.

We come to listen, to wonder, and to rejoice.
For God’s love is being born among us.

Tonight, the Word becomes flesh,
and heaven leans close to earth.

We come as we are—expectant, weary, joyful, searching—
trusting that Love will meet us here.

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace on earth, good will to all!
Let us worship the Christ who comes.

Carol

Joy to the World UMH#246

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candles

The Christ Candle – Light of the World
Scriptures Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20

All: We light this candle as a sign that God is with us—Emmanuel. From this light, may hope, peace, joy, and love shine brightly in every heart.

Carol

O Little Town of Bethlehem UMH#230
Please sing to the tune FOREST GREEN

Reading from the Gospels

Luke 2:1-20

Carol

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing UMH#240

Sermon

Joy | Rev. Kelly Dotson

Duet

O Splendor of the Father’s Light Robert G. Farrell
Paula Dempsey and John Jalocha

The Celebration of Holy Communion

Invitation to the Table

On this night when heaven draws near to earth,
when the Word becomes flesh,
and hope takes a breath among us,
we come to the table where Christ meets us still.

This table does not belong to Mars Hill UMC.
It does not belong to any denomination or any pastor.
It belongs to Jesus.
And Jesus has made the guest list very clear:

All are welcome.
All are wanted.
All are fed.

So come—whether you are filled with joy or carrying sorrow,
whether your faith is steady or fragile,
whether this is your first Christmas here or your fiftieth.
There is room for you,
because at this table—all means all.

Breaking the Bread
These are the gifts of God

for all the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
Come, for all is ready.
And at this table—
all means all.

The Great Thanksgiving and Communion

Musical Setting D UMH pp. 23-24

Breaking the Bread
Giving the Bread and Cup
The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Carol

Silent Night, Holy Night UMH#239

(The Congregation is invited to light individual candles while singing the carol. Light from the Advent Wreath will be shared with everyone.)

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 Savior is born, Christ, the Savior 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 Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

Benediction