Updated May, 2025
All the readings and music in this service intentionally focus on light; the service is appropriate for Christmas Eve, Christmas, or Epiphany. Multiple songs are listed; we encourage you to choose songs that would work best in your worship setting.
—JB
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Song
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”Wade
“Christians, Awake” Byrom
“Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying”Nicolai
The First Candle
“Let there be light”
Reading: Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 136:1-9
Sung Response
“Give Thanks to God, for Good Is He”Psalter
“God Who Spoke in the Beginning” Kaan
“Cantemos al Señor/O Sing unto the Lord” Rosas
Prayer
The Second Candle
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”
Reading: Luke 1:76-79; Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7
Confession of Sin
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not always welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to your glory in our midst, expecting little and hoping for even less. Forgive our doubt and renew our hope so that we may receive the fullness of your grace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Song of Praise
“Born in the Night, Mary’s Child” Ainger
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Wesley
“How Bright Appears the Morning Star” Nicolai
The Third Candle
“The light of the glory of God”
Reading: Luke 2:8-14
Sung Response
“Angels from the Realms of Glory”Montgomery
“Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”Johnson, Rist
Offering
Offertory
“Breath of Heaven” Grant
“Christ Is the King and He Shall Reign” Psalter
“Brightest and Best of the Stars” Heber
The Fourth Candle
“The true light that gives light to everyone”
Reading: John 1:1-14
Sermon
Sung Response
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Brooks
“O Word of God Incarnate” How
“This Is Your God/Meekness and Majesty” Kendrick
The Christ Candle
“You are the light of the world”
Reading: John 1:12; John 12:46; Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:12-16
Song of Response
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Afro-American Spiritual
“Bring Forth the Kingdom”Haugen
“Arise, Your Light Has Come!” Duck
Benediction and Passing of the Peace
This order of service was created by the worship planning team at Grove Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen, Maryland. It was submitted by the choir director, Carlla Jones.