Christmas Eve Service- December 24, 2020

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Music as the Community Gathers
Words of Welcome & Announcements

The Litany of the Christ Candle
Over the four Sundays in the Advent Season, as we waited for, longed for, anticipated this night – we lit the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Now here we are on Christmas Eve. Here we are – gathered at Picton United Church on this night of celebration. Tonight Jesus arrives! We celebrate God-with-us, Emmanuel.  And so, we light the Christ Candle as we say “Happy Birthday Jesus!” We give thanks and praise to God for becoming one of us in Christ. The Holy One, the Creator of the Universe, moved in with us – humbly born in a stable to a refugee couple. Christ is born! Hallelujah! Let’s worship God!

Opening Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, Holy Mystery who is Wholly Love, you come to us this night as softly as a mother’s sigh, as startling as the cry of a newborn child. Come into our hearts, we pray, that we might be cradled in your love and stirred by your glory. We pray in the name of the One whose coming we celebrate, Jesus our Saviour, the Bethlehem Baby. Amen.
Opening Carol – Solo “Miss Emily” ‘O Holy Night’

Bible Reading Luke 2.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David – to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, who was great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” – Violin
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark street shineth the ever-lasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessed gift of heaven. No ear may hear his coming; but in the world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters in.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praise God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men.

Carol “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
1. Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; ye who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth: come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.
2. Shepherds in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant Light: come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made know unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
And when they had seen it, they made know abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Carol “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” Violin
1. Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger; there he lay the undefiled, to the world a stranger. Such a babe in such a place, can he be the Saviour? Ask the saved of all the race who have found his favour.
2. Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger; he is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger. Son of God of humble birth, beautiful the story; praise his name in all the earth; hail the King of glory!
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.

Gifts, Tithes and Offerings

A Prayer on Christmas Eve
On this most holy night, Gracious and Loving God, we have gathered to celebrate the birth of the Christ child; to join our voices with the choirs of angels; to come with the shepherds to the stable; and to wonder at the Christmas miracle.
With us we bring the hurts and the hopes of our world. In this season of excess we remember all who are empty. We remember those terribly impacted by COVID-19 – physically, emotionally, spiritually, and economically. We hold up to you neighbours, friends and loved ones who dreams have been shattered and whose futures have been frustrated.  In this season of carols all those tonight who have little to sing about – all who are lonely, depressed, sick or anxious.  In this season of festivity we remember all who face the harsh reality of oppression: prisoners, refugees, exiles, any whose human rights are violated – those without adequate food, shelter or clothing.
Yet through the shadows of our world, shines the light of your promise; the angels’ heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world.  We pray for the church of Jesus Christ, that we may be bearers of your light, singers of the angels’ song, and messengers of goodwill to all the earth.
We pray for all in power and authority, that they may be open to hear the glorious song of old, with its message of justice and peace to all humankind.
For ourselves, we seek strength and purpose, to live the love of Christmas – Emmanuel, God with us, abide in us we pray in Jesus’ name we pray using the words he taught us:
The Lord’s Prayer

The Story of Silent Night

Pastor Joseph Mohr sat at the old organ. His fingers stretched over the keys – forming the notes of a chord. He took a deep breath and pressed down. Nothing. He lifted his fingers and tried again. Silence echoed through the church.

Pastor Joseph shook his head. It was no use. The pipes were rusted. The bellows were mildewed. The organ had been wheezing and growing quieter for months. Now, finally, it had given out. St. Nicholas Church would have no music for Christmas!

Pastor Joseph sighed. Maybe a brisk walk in the cold air would make him feel better. He pulled on his overcoat and stepped out into the night. It was cold enough that he could see his breath. Moonlight sparkled off the snow-crusted trees and houses in the village of Oberndorff. The Pastor crunched through the snowy streets to the edge of the little Austrian town, and climbed the path leading up the mountain.

From high above the village, Pastor Joseph watched the Salzach River ripple past St. Nicholas Church. In the spring, when the snow melted, and water cascaded down the mountain, the river overflowed its banks. Then water lapped at the foundation of the church. It was moisture from the flooding river that caused the organ to rust and mildew.

Pastor Joseph looked out over the Austrian Alps. Stars shone above in the still and silent night.

Silent night? The Pastor paused. Of course! Silent Night! He had written a poem a few years before when he had first become the Minister of this congregation. He had given the poem that very title – “Silent Night”.

Pastor Joseph hurried down the mountain trail. Suddenly he knew how to bring music to the church. The next morning, he set out on another walk. This time he carried a copy of his poem. This time he knew exactly where he was going. He was off to see his friend Franz Gruber, the Organist for St. Nicholas, who lived in the next village.

Franz Gruber was surprised to see his Pastor and friend so far from home during the day – just the day before Christmas Eve. He was even more surprised when Pastor Joseph handed him the poem and explained his idea for Christmas Eve.

When the people of Oberndorf gathered in the church on Christmas Eve they were surprised to see that Franz Gruber was holding a guitar as he and Pastor Joseph stood near the altar. The folk gave one another questioning looks. They could not remember ever having seen a guitar in church before – Certainly not at the Christmas Eve Service – one of the holiest nights of the year.

As Franz Gruber picked out a few notes on the guitar, Pastor Joseph joined him in singing the first verse. Their two voices rang out, and they were joined by the choir on the second and then the third verse. Franz Gruber’s melody matched the simplicity and honesty of Pastor Joseph’s words.

When the last notes faded into the night, the congregation remained still for a moment, then they began to clap their hands. Applause filled the church. The villagers of Oberndorf loved the song. Pastor Joseph and Franz Gruber had succeeded in bringing music to St. Nicholas’ Church on Christmas Eve!

A few month later, the organ builder arrived in Oberndorf and found the words and music of “Silent Night” lying on the organ. The song enchanted him. When the repair was completed, and he left, he took a copy of “Silent Night” with him.

The organ builder gave the song to two families of travelling singers who lived near his home. The travelling singers performed “Silent Night” in concerts all over Europe, and soon the song spread throughout the world. Originally written in the German language, it has been translated and sung by Christians of every land on this special night.

This evening our Christmas Eve Service here at Black River Chapel is going to conclude with this final carol played once again on the Guitar by our Guest Musician Don Hinde. At home you are invited to join in the singing of this well-loved song, written two hundred years ago for a Christmas Eve Service in a tiny Austrian village.

Parting Words

We love to hear Christmas poems and Christmas stories written over the years, don’t we? They complement well our beloved carols.

In concluding our Service this evening I want to quote briefly from one such poem and one such story: Clement Clark Moore’s poem – “Twas the Night Before Christmas” –  and Charles Dickens’ great story:

 “A Christmas Carol”

The poem ends with St. Nick calling from the sleigh:

“A Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

And from Dickens  I leave you with the words of Tiny Tim:

“God bless us, every one!”

Amen!

Merry Christmas!

Parting Carol – Silent Night
1. 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.
2. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight: glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah, Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.
3. 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.
Commissioning & Blessing
Reprise – Silent Night – Violin

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