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P.O. Box 609 Heathsville, Virginia 22473

(804) 580-4555

www.lightofchristva.org

Christmas Eve Worship

5:00 p.m.

Light of Christ Anglican Church

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Our nursery is not staffed this evening. We look forward to having the young children join us for worship.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Light of Christ Anglican Church makes every effort to acquire requisite copyright permissions to reprint all text, lyrics, and music that appear in this worship guide. Materials from The Hymnal 1982; Lift Every Voice and Sing II; and Wonder, Love, and Praise are used with permission of RiteSong, all rights reserved; and under OneLicense.net #A-714729. Copyright permissions for materials from Light of Christ Song Book (the “Blue Book”) compiled by Light of Christ Anglican Church may be found therein. Other permissions accompany items as they appear in the course of this worship guide. Light of Christ Anglican Church also holds CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) license #2429023, which covers much of the aforementioned material redundantly. Scripture quotations are from the HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION® . (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Light of Christ Anglican Church P.O. Box 609 Heathsville, Virginia 22473

(804) 580-4555 www.lightofchristva.org

The Rev. Michael Moffitt, Rector

The Rev. Mary Swann, Deacon

Judy Rasberry, Acting Director of Music

All who seek God’s love, come and know Christ. Welcome!

Serving Tonight: Acolyte: LeAnne Nguyen

Lesson Reader: Lyn Conley Prayers of the People: Jim Conley

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Elaine Price and Phyllis TeStrake Ushers: Dick and Barbara Seed

Greeters: Doug Smoot and Constance McDearmon Altar Guild: Priscilla Williams and Marie Carstensen

Vestry Person on Duty: David Peresluha and Randy Smith

A typical week at Light of Christ Anglican Church:

Sunday Sunday School for all ages 9:00 a.m.

Choir Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. Worship (Holy Eucharist) 10:00 a.m.

Coffee Hour 11:30 a.m. Light of Christ Ringers 12:30 p.m.

Monday Bible Study 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday Prayer Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday Fishermen 9:00 a.m.

(Men’s Fellowship and Bible Study) Prayer Time with the Rector 11:00 a.m.

Thursday Choir Rehearsal 4:00 p.m.

Throughout the week, various other groups meet for Bible study and fellowship.

Please call the church office for more information about these groups. Newcomers welcome!

Thrift Shop Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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The Nativity of our Lord December 24, 2017

5:00 p.m.

Musical Prelude

Light of Christ Ringers: O come, all ye faithful

We three kings of Orient are

Choir: Unto Us a Boy Is Born . . . 15th Century Latin Carol (words are printed below for meditation)

Unto us a boy is born! The King of all creation,

came he to a world forlorn, the Lord of every nation.

Cradled in a stall was he

with sleepy cows and asses; but the very beasts could see

that he all men surpasses.

Herod then with fear was filled; “A prince,” he said, “in Jewry!”

All the little boys he killed at Bethlehem in his fury.

Now may Mary’s son,

who came so long ago to love us, lead us all with hearts aflame

unto the joys above us.

Unto us a boy is born! The King of all creation,

came he to a world forlorn, the Lord of every nation.

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Opening Hymn: 93 Angels, from the realms of glory

Words: James Montgomery (1771-1854), alt. Music: Regent Square, Henry Thomas Smart (1813-1879)

come and wor - ship

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THE WORD OF GOD The people stand.

Words of Acclamation and Collect for Purity

Priest: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Priest: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. People: Amen.

The people remain standing and sing

96 Angels we have heard on high

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1 Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is King!” * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let 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.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.

Reader: 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our

blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Reader: 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the

government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14

Reader and People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

The Psalm: 96 Venite, exultemus

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7

Collect of the Day

Priest: O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. People: Amen.

Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Priest: Let us pray.

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87 Hark! the herald angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt. Music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847); adapt. William H. Cummings (1831-1915)

The people stand to sing, and remain standing for the Gospel.

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The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Deacon: 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds

out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Michael Moffitt Following tonight’s service, the sermon will be available on the church website: www.lightofchristva.org.

The Nicene Creed

The people stand and affirm the creed with the priest.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker

of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of

God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Leader: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons, especially our Archbishop, Foley; our Bishop, John; our Priest, Mike; and our Deacon, Mary; People: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

Leader: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world; People: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Leader: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake; People: That our works may find favor in your sight.

Leader: We pray for all who are in danger, sorrow, need, sickness, or any kind of trouble;

People: That they may be delivered from their distress.

Leader: Lord, we also ask your loving care for our military men and women, and all public servants who put themselves in harm’s way for our safety and security. People: Protect them, and give them an awareness of your abiding presence.

Leader: Give to the departed eternal rest; People: Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Leader: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy; People: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Leader: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

The people add their prayers and thanksgivings.

Priest: Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Priest: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

The Prayers of the People

The people kneel or sit reverently. The leader and people pray responsively.

Leader: Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church, for all missionaries, especially those sent out by Anglican Frontier Missions, and for our mission partners in the Diocese of Mityana, Uganda; People: That we all may be one.

Leader: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you; People: That your Name may be glorified by all people.

Confession of Sin

Priest and People: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Priest: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. People: Amen.

The Peace

The people greet each other with God’s peace.

Priest: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

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The Holy Communion

Representatives of the congregation bring the elements to the altar and the offering is collected.

Offertory Anthem: Softly the Stars were Shining … Adolph Torovsky

The people stand and sing The Doxology while the ushers present the offering.

Words: St. 3, Thomas Ken (1637-1711) Music: Old 100th, melody from Pseaumes octante trois de David, 1551, alt.; harm. after Louis Bourgeois (1510?-1561?)

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The Great Thanksgiving The people remain standing.

Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

Priest: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Priest: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Priest: Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and be-come subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Priest and People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

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Priest: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By Him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. People: Amen. Priest: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

Priest and People:

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.

The Breaking of the Bread

The priest breaks the consecrated Bread and says

Priest: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Priest: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Communion of the People If you are a baptized Christian, we welcome you to Holy Communion at Light of Christ.. Both the bread and the wine are offered at Communion. You may receive the wine by drinking from the cup or by dipping the wafer into the chalice. If you do not wish to receive one of the elements, please indicate by crossing your arms upon your chest.

The people come forward as invited to do so by the ushers. If you are unable to come forward, please notify an usher during Communion of your desire to receive at your seat. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words:

Priest: The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Communicant: Amen

Eucharist Minister: The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Communicant: Amen

The people are invited to join the choir in singing the last two Communion hymns:

Communion Hymns

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Choir: A Communion Hymn for Christmas … Tom Fettke

115 What child is this, who, laid to rest

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It came upon the midnight clear

Words: Edmund H. Sears (1810-1876) Music: Carol, Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900)

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111 Silent night, holy night (kneeling)

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The priest asks a benediction upon the people. The people stand and sing.

Post Communion Prayer and Blessing

Priest: Let us pray. Priest and People: Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Closing Hymn: 99 Go tell it on the mountain

The deacon dismisses the people. People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Words: Afro-American spiritual, 19th cent.; adapt. John W. Work (b. 1901) Music: Go Tell It on the Mountain, Afro-American spiritual, 19th cent.; arr. Horace Clarence Boyer (1935-2009) Used by permission.

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CHRISTMAS ALTAR FLOWERS WERE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND

In loving memory of Lewis B. Cralle, Jr.,

by Chris and Jeanette Cralle

In honor of our grandmother, Betty Cralle

by Erik and Caitlyn Berg

In loving memory of Fortune Odend’hal, IV

by Bonnie Odend’hal

In loving memory of the Rev. and Mrs. Paul A. Lassanske

and Mrs. Ethelene Thomas

by Paul and Peggy Lassanske

In loving memory of loved ones

by Dick and Barbara Seed

In loving memory of Jeff Cerar

by Ward and Judy LeHardy

In honor of James Richard Poole

and in loving memory of Margo Mae Elizabeth Schwartz

by Dana Peterson

In loving memory of loved ones

by Janet Eichacker

In loving memory of whose who have gone before us

in the Gwaltney, Rector, and Johnson families

by David and Joy Gwaltney

For the blessing of our parents, children, and grandchildren

and in loving memory of Zackary Semerjian

with thanksgiving for the love he gave to us.

We thank our Lord for these precious gifts.

by George and Eleanor Semerjian

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In loving memory of George & Elizabeth Beckett

and Jesse & Barbara Sprague

by George and Jan Beckett

In honor of Jeffrey Cerar

by Tom and Elaine Price

In loving memory of Phillip McCaldon

and all our loved ones who have passed on to a much better place

by Wayne, Saunee, Hannah, Sophia, and Mike

In loving memory of our parents

JC & Hester York and Maureen & William L. Richards

by Lynn and Howard York

In loving memory of our parents,

John & Laura Leite and Emmett & Louise Edmonds

by Pauline and Bobby Edmonds

In loving memory of Brooke & Winona Read

and Ross & Marjorie Smith

by Brooke and Susan Read

With thanksgiving for my children,

and for the people of this congregation, especially our pastor Mike

by Margaret Radcliffe

In loving memory of Helen & Winslow Williams, Win Williams,

Evangeline & Raven Dodge, and Elizabeth Councill

by Priscilla and Harrison Williams

In loving memory of Charles & Elaine Andrews,

Julie & William Andrulot,

and Mae Fenn

by Char and Bill Andrulot

In memory of Jeff, and with love for Lynne

by Marion Mitchell

CHRISTMAS ALTAR FLOWERS WERE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD

AND

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