Christmas Eve Candlelight services are a favorite worship experience for millions in the body of Christ. Near the end of almost all of these services (including ours), the sanctuary is totally dark, except for the light of the Advent candles. In this peaceful setting as the final candle is lit, that light is passed by the pastor to others in the sanctuary, and soon the room is brightly illuminated and darkness is dispelled. It is an awesome moment, and we will experience that in our own candlelight service. It will remind us what it says in Isaiah 9:1-2 that, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light, and on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Life changed dramatically from the moment Jesus hit the scene. He would bring hope, love, peace and joy to a world that was hopeless, sad, lonely and filled with strife. We probably all know people who still feel that way. Maybe this isn’t yet a day of joy for you. Jesus came as a baby to change the world for all of us. It all started because God the Father believed that Jesus was the answer to every one of the world’s ills. His Son arrived on that holy night. He arrived in our hearts the day we were born again, and every day, we get to show His hope, His love, His peace, and His joy to those around us. We believe that those who haven’t met Him yet can come to know Jesus too! All because of that beautiful, holy night, when Joy came to our world.
O Holy Night by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, Placide Cappeau
Verse 1
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Chorus 1
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night O holy night
O night divine
Verse 2
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here came the wise men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our Friend
Chorus 2
He knows our need
To our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King
Before Him lowly bend
Behold your King
Before Him lowly bend
Verse 3
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Chorus 3
Christ is the Lord
O praise His name forever
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
Word of the Day: Luke 2:1-15
Song of the Day: O Holy Night by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, Placide Cappeau