WELCOME

Welcome to this most Holy of nights.  May your hearts be filled with the joy, peace and love of God coming to us in the gift of our Lord Jesus.

PRELUDE O Holy Night Adam

+ GATHERING +

+ The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God +

* CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE AND GREETING

P: We have beheld Christ's glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

C: For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

P: May the grace and truth of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

* OPENING PRAYER

P: Let us pray.  Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:  Amen

* GATHERING HYMN: OH, COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL (ELW 283)

+ WORD +

+ God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song +

FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2–7

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.  3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

PSALM 96

1Sing to the LORD| a new song;

  sing to the LORD, | all the earth.

 2Sing to the LORD, bless the name | of the LORD;

  proclaim God’s salvation from | day to day.

 3Declare God’s glory among the nations

  and God’s wonders among all peoples.

 4For great is the LORD and greatly | to be praised,

  more to be feared | than all gods. 

 5As for all the gods of the nations, they | are but idols;

  but you, O LORD, have | made the heavens.

 6Majesty and magnificence are | in your presence;

  power and splendor are in your | sanctuary.

 7Ascribe to the LORD, you families | of the peoples,

  ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

 8Ascribe to the LORD the honor due the | holy name;

  bring offerings and enter the courts | of the LORD. 

 9Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness;

  tremble before the LORD, | all the earth.

 10Tell it out among the nations: “The | LORD is king!

  The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peoples with equity.”

 11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the | earth be glad;

  let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that | is therein.

 12Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your coming, O LORD,

  for you come to | judge the earth.

 13You will judge the | world with righteousness

  and the peoples | with your truth. 

SECOND READING: Titus 2:11–14

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

THE GOSPEL:  Luke 2:1–20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  3All went to their own towns to be registered.  4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."  13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."  16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;  18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE    

SERMON      Pastor Wende Bleam

HYMN OF THE DAY:  LO HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING (ELW 272)

* APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION 

Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.

Angels sing with praise, and shepherds run with haste. As we glorify and praise you in this place, send us into the world, proclaiming the salvation you have revealed this night. God of grace, receive our prayer.

The seas roar, and the trees of the forest sing for joy. As creation resounds with praise, inspire us with awe, reverence, and a renewed care for all that fills the fields, skies, and seas. God of grace, receive our prayer.

The nations declare your glory. Uphold the leaders of the earth with your justice and righteousness. Break the rod of the oppressor in every land, and bring peace where there is conflict. God of grace, receive our prayer.

The holy family finds shelter around the animals’ manger. Draw near to persons experiencing homelessness, those who are alone this holiday season, and all for whom this world makes no room. Wrap all your children in bands of love and mercy. We pray especially for Carol, Talayia, Tiana, Vince, Danielle, Barbara. Scarlet, Deb, Connor, Dawn, Elaine, Rich, Robert, Anna, Don, Bryant, Lois, Bill, Curt, Calvin, Robin, Ana, Helen, Hoon, Pat, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, and those we now raise before you in our hearts.  We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit.  Grant them healing and wholeness. God of grace, receive our prayer.

A child is born for us and light shines on the weary. Watch over those who give birth this night and attend to those who are dying. Be present in our joys and in our sorrows. God of grace, receive our prayer.

The heavenly host praises you. With thanksgiving for Mary, Joseph, and all your saints, sustain us in the blessed hope revealed this night. Fashion us by their example into a people zealous for good deeds, sharing your love and mercy with all. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all, through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

* PEACE

P:  The peace of Christ be with you always. C:  And also with you.

+ MEAL +

+ God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ +

OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD

Please place your offering in the plate near the Sanctuary door any time during or following worship. Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our  website:   stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org  or sent by mail to

St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.

* CONGREGATIONAL SONG: WHAT CHILD IS THIS - (ELW 296) VS 1, 3

* OFFERING PRAYER   

Creator God,

you made the whole world,

even the farthest stars,

and you draw near to feed us.

We praise you for these gifts of bread and wine.

Strengthen us with this food

that we may live in expectation

for the advent of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

* DIALOGUE (SPOKEN)

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

It is right to give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

* PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, 

That we should at all times and in all places Give thanks and praise to you, Almighty and merciful God,

Through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery

Of the Word made flesh You have opened the eyes of faith

To a new and radiant vision of your glory 

That beholding the God made visible, 

We may be drawn to love the God Whom we cannot see.

And so, with all the choirs of angels, 

With the church on earth

And the hosts of heaven 

We praise your name 

And join their unending hymn

* HOLY, HOLY, HOLY  

* THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:

Blessed are you for the birth of creation.

Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.

Blessed are you for your promise to your people.

Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams.

Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will.

Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.

In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup

we remember your Word dwelling among us,

full of grace and truth.

We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.

We look with hope for his coming.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, we long for your Spirit.

Come among us.

Bless this meal.

May your Word take flesh in us.

Awaken your people.

Fill us with your light.

Bring the gift of peace on earth.

Come, Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen.

* LORD'S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

   hallowed be thy name,

   thy kingdom come,

   thy will be done,

       on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those

       who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

   and the power, and the glory,

   forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Taste and see the mercy and goodness of the Lord.  

COMMUNION   

The body of Christ given for you.  The blood of Christ shed for you.

ANGUS DEI  

TABLE BLESSING

The body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: Angels We Have Heard on High (ELW 289)

THE GOSPEL OF THE INCARNATION: John 1:1–14

The ushers lower the lights to darken the sanctuary. 

The minister lights a large candle from an altar candle, which symbolizes Christ, the Light of the world of whom John's gospel speaks. 

The acolytes light their candles from the minister's candle, then light the candle of each worshiper nearest the aisle. 

The lighted candle is never tilted, but is always held upright when giving light to another.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2He was in the beginning with God.  3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.  5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

HYMN OF LIGHT: SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT! (ELW 281)

+ SENDING +

+ God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world +

BLESSING

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child.  Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.  Amen  

DISMISSAL - This night, Jesus Christ the Savior is born! Rejoice and share the good news!  

* SENDING HYMN: JOY TO THE WORLD (ELW 267)

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #44714.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TO OUR GUESTS THIS EVENING: thank you for being here to celebrate Jesus' birth. Please come worship at St. John's again. We're so glad you are here!

THANK YOU to the Altar Guild, the church decorators, the servers, the staff, and all those who worked behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to this night. You have made our celebration shine bright. Though we will not attempt to name everyone here for fear of forgetting someone, please know that you all have the DEEP AND ABIDING GRATITUDE of the congregation and the pastor.

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR THE YEAR 2025 are available on the narthex table.  Please take yours and any for family and friends so we may save on postage.  The boxes now cost at least  $2.50 to mail.  Some numbers have been changed due to ordering less boxes.

Copies of WORD IN SEASON AND CHRIST IN OUR HOME are available on the hallway and narthex tables.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT and TREASURERS’ BOOKS for church organizations are due in the Church Office by January 8. We need some time to prepare the Annual Report for your review prior to the congregational meeting on February 2, 2025.

The CHURCH’S FINANCIAL RECORDS will close on December 31.  Any offering to be posted for year 2024 must be received or postmarked by December 31.

DON’T LET THE GRINCH STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!  Join us on Sunday as we worship the newborn king with A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS AT 10:15 A.M.   Good Christian friends, rejoice! 

May you know

the light of the Christmas star,

the warmth of home and family,

the cheer and good will of friends,

the hope of a childlike heart,

the joy of a thousand angels,

the love of Jesus, and

the peace of God that passes all understanding.

On this holy night

the poinsettias which adorn our sanctuary are given

 to the glory of God by

Pastor Wende in memory of her father, Dudley

Pastor Wende in memory of her nephew, Scott

Pastor Wende in memory of her mother, Lilian 

Fisher Family in memory of Grammy and Grandma

Fisher Family in memory of Rick Vanstone

Modge Family in memory of William Reese Sr. 

Modge Family in memory of Joe and Leona Mlodzianowski

Shortt Family in memory of Virginia and Warren Lewis,

Walt Stinsman in memory of Joan Stinsman

Ruth Weaver in memory of Dick Weaver

Weaver Family in memory of Dad, Dick Weaver

ALTERNATIVE TRIBUTE GIFTS

Pastor Wende in honor of her family

MaryAnne Rossi in memory of family members who are

Shortt Family in honor of Evelyn, Abbey, Declan 

Our thanks to all who have provided Poinsettias 

and our alternate gift to ELCA World Hunger.