Youth Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

1 -1- Youth Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 2017 11:00 pm Broken Lost Control .. HOPE. Christmas is a time when we want perfection, probably more than any other time of year. When a loved one cannot make it home it is extra sad. When the meal does not turn out it is extra frustrating. When the present is not well received we feel extra bad. Things are supposed to be picture perfect at Christmas time. It is time to take control and bend the heavens and earth to your will. This Christmas , let us reflect on the very first Christmas and look at life.

2 At the first Christmas , Christ did not shake the imperfection out of this World, but He did bring perfect hope. As ugly and painful as life can get, especially in this season of perfection, what does hope mean? How does it make all the difference? The Hope we find in Christ is not the hope? that a meal turns out well, or the hope? for a certain desired present. Hope in Christ permeates our whole life. Hope in Christ changes how we see the highs and lows of life because Christ has come to redeem all things. In Christian Hope our disappointments bear eternal fruit.

3 In Christian Hope our hurts strengthen us. In Christian Hope our fear brings us closer to our Mighty Lord. In Christian Hope every ending is a new beginning. Merry Christmas , and may your gift this year be the Lord moving you from man s hope that is a question, to Christian Hope that ends in a period as Christ declares, It is accomplished . (*) Those who are able are asked to stand during these parts of the Service . OPENING PRAYER HYMN It Came Upon The Midnight Clear .. LSB 366 -2- (*) Christmas INVOCATION, CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit C: Amen.

4 P: At the time of His birth, Jesus was: praised by the angels, acclaimed by the shepherds, and in time, given gifts of honor from the wise men. But Christ was born into human flesh to die for the redemption of sinners. This night we give Jesus our praise, but we also give Him our sin. C: Dear Lord Jesus, we lay our sins before you. P: As you sing, listen. Listen to the full message of Christmas . Jesus born, Son of God, God s love incarnate to die and rise for the forgiveness of sin. (Please be seated) HYMN OF MEDITATION From Heaven Above to Earth I Come / When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Tune, LSB 425) To you this night is born a child of Mary, chosen virgin mild; (LSB 358, st.)

5 2) This little child of lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth. This is the Christ, our God Most High, who hears your sad and bitter cry; (LSB 358, st. 3) He will Himself your Savior be from all your sins to set you free. See, from His head, His hands, His feet sorrow and love flow mingled down! (LSB 425, st. 3) Did e er such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown? (A time of silence) P: As the first Christmas approached, the darkness was thick upon the earth. Into that darkness God spoke and the Word came to dwell with us!

6 Jesus, the light of the world, has come! The darkness flees before His brilliance and as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) As a called and ordained servant of Christ, by His authority, I speak His grace to you. You are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen! P: Now, like the shepherds, let us praise the name of the Lord. For this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes! (Mark 12:11) (Please stand to ) -3- (*) RESPONSE (The Wonderful Cross) He will on you the gifts bestow prepared by God for all below, That in His kingdom, bright and fair, You may with us His glory share.

7 O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless Your name. Christmas Perfection: Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Bing Crosby Homecoming: Dad: I sure do love that song.. Sweetie, the house looks just perfect. You went all out this year. The kids are going to love it. Mom: I hope so. It has been so long. Grace has missed the last two Christmases with that new job of hers. Rox anne has been working so hard at college that we barely see her.

8 At least we get to see Lizzie every once in a while, but to have all three home at the same time. It will be wonderful! Dad: I agree. It has been too long. You have outdone yourself this year. Mom: You re not too upset that I asked you not to invite your parents? Dad: I m not upset. I feel bad not having them with us, but you re, right the house will be full and it is ok for us to focus on the kids. Lizzie will visit them on her way here and they will enjoy seeing us next weekend. For this Christmas , it s just our family.

9 It will be perfect. Plus, I know how well you and my mom get Mom: We see things a bit differently is all. I am not going to lie. It will be a less stressful day without her. The kids should be here soon! I am going to finish up in the kitchen, I want everything to be perfect! Lizzie: Daddy! Merry Christmas , dad! Dad: Merry Lizzie. What have you done? Lizzie: Oh! I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa and there was a water main issue at their building. All the residents needed to be moved so I told the director that they could come with me and you would bring them back when the issue was fixed.

10 They can spend Christmas with us! Grandpa: Are you two done or are you going to leave us out here until we sing carols for you? Can t you see we can t get our suitcases up these steps?! Lizzie: Sorry Grandpa. Grandma: What did she say? Why aren t you moving your buns hon? Lizzie: I am coming to help, Grandma. Grandpa is stuck. He can t lift the suitcases! -4- Grandpa: Why are you yelling at me?! Lizzie: I m not yelling at you Grandpa. I am yelling at Grandma! I mean I am speaking up so she can hear me! Grandpa: Oh! That lady is deaf as a rock!