UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God. Please pray using words most meaningful to you.
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
Expansion Angel - © Robyn Waniger
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2024
This service will be in-person and on Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
(Recorded for Facebook and YouTube)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 839 3635 9115 Passcode: 776780
The first pew in front of the pulpit has books and quiet activities for people of all ages.
Please borrow something that suits you, and return it after the service.
Silent Prayer
God of hope, peace, joy, and love, show us the way. Open our minds and hearts to you, and to our neighbors. This Christmas, this starry night, make us lanterns of your light: signs of hope, makers of peace, virtuosos of joy, lovers of kindness, doers of justice. Let our lights shine! Welcome, Jesus. Welcome! Amen
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Prelude Pastorale Symphony from Messiah G.F. Handel
Welcome
*Advent Candle Lighting
Reader One: Beloved, today we welcome the Christ Child, the fulfillment of our joy, as we proclaim with the prophet Isaiah, “For 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.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Congregation: Christ our joy has come near. Emmanuel, God with us, has come to dwell with us as a tiny baby. “His 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.” (Isaiah 9:7)
Reader Two: We light this candle as a sign of Christ coming to live with us, to dwell in the neighborhood of humanity as a vulnerable child. May the light of Christ warm our hearts and light our way as we share the joy of God’s salvation wherever we go.
Light the Christ candle of the Advent wreath.
*Introit One Candle is Lit (all five verses)
1. Come sure-ly, Lord Je-sus, as dawn fol-lows night,
our hearts long to greet you, as pos-es, the light.
Sal-va-tion, draw near us, our vi-sion en-gage.
One can-dle is lit for the hope of the age.
2. Come quick-ly, sha-lom, teach us how to pre-pare
for a gift that com-pels us with jus-tice to care.
Our spir-its are rest-less till sin and war cease.
One can-dle is lit for the reign of God’s peace.
3. Come, fes-tive-ly sing while a-waiting the birth,
Join an-gels in danc-ing from heav-en to earth.
Wave ban-ners of good news, lift high thank-ful praise.
One can-dle is lit for the joy of these days.
4. Come, wan-der where li-on and lamb gent-ly play,
where evil is ban-ished and faith takes the day,
a babe in a man-ger to fool the world’s eyes.
One can-dle is lit for God’s lov-ing sur-prise.
5. Come, lis-ten, the sounds of God - with - us ring clear,
and signs of a cross in the dis-tance ap-pear.
The Word once made flesh, yet the Word ev-er near.
One can-dle is lit for the Christ-birth-day here.
*Call to Worship (Luke 2:1-20 KJV)
One: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into their own city.
All: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
One: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
All: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
One: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
All: And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
One: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
All: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
One: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
All: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all.
One: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
All: And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
One: And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
All: But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle
Special Music The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Basque Carol/ R. Lau
*Invocation (in unison)
Eternal God, from the tabernacle of heaven to the poverty of a stable, your radiant light shines forth in a tiny baby. Such humble Love astounds us. In Jesus you have become one with us that we might become one with you. Open our hearts to joyfully receive this Spirit so that Love may be born in us, and Love may shine through us. Amen
Lessons & Carols (Godly Play Christmas Eve Liturgy, adapted)
O Come, All Ye Faithful (vs. 1&2) Red Hymnal #132
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!
Narrator: This night is like no other night. It is a time to dream and sing our way to Bethlehem. The little town that we seek is in the hill country some ten miles south of Jerusalem. For thousands of years the houses have huddled there on the hilltop like a family baking bread. Bethlehem means, “house of bread.” (Bring sheep and cow to Bethlehem) All is still and quiet.
O Little Town of Bethlehem (vs. 1&2) Red Hymnal #151
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!And praises sing to God the King, and peace to us on earth.
Narrator: As night gathers, the last two travelers come slowly up the road with their donkey. Look, there is a young woman about to be a mother. She is walking with her husband. They are Joseph and Mary from Nazareth. They have walked for six days to come to this place where David the King was born so long ago. They have come, like so many others, because the Roman emperor wants to count each one, so that he can take their money in tax.
(Bring Mary, Joseph, and the donkey to Bethlehem and hold them.) But it is late, and Mary is weary. Where will they sleep? There is no room in the inn. They decide to sleep with the animals. (Place the figures with the sheep and cow.)
Away in a Manger (vs. 1&3) Red Hymnal #150
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stayclose by me forever, and love me, I pray.Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
Narrator: Stars brighten slowly in the sky. All creation holds its breath. (Bring the baby to Bethlehem and place him with the others.) Suddenly from the stable comes the cry of a newborn child. Mary gently wraps the baby in a blanket and lays him in the feed box filled with straw. (Have a moment of silence.)
Angels, We Have Heard on High (vs. 1&3) Red Hymnal #135
Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains,and the mountains in reply echo back their joyous strains: Glo- - - - - - ria in excelsis Deo! Glo- - - - - - - ria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing;come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the new-born King.
Glo- - - - - - ria in excelsis Deo! Glo- - - - - - - ria, in excelsis Deo!
Narrator: In the hills outside Bethlehem, shepherds watch their shadowy sheep. All at once the dark is lost in light, and in the midst of the light is something even brighter, the faces of angels. The fearful shepherds then hear singing in the sky, and a voice says, “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by all people. Today in the City of David a savior is born. He is Christ the Lord.” Then more angels appear, a whole heavenly host of them, praising God and singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all people everywhere.” (The shepherds come to Bethlehem.)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (vs. 1&3) Red Hymnal #137
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,born to raise all souls on earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Narrator: The shepherds run with joy across the fields to the barn behind the inn. There they find the Holy Family and creep forward, overwhelmed with mystery, to find Nativity itself in the center of all that love. Three camels plod up the road to Bethlehem. They have come from the East, far beyond the Arabian desert, perhaps as far as the Caspian Sea. The camels carry the kings, the wise ones, the Magi. They are following the wild star, the destiny they had never seen before. They are following it wherever it goes, to find the King its shining shows them. (The star leads the Magi to Bethlehem. Place the figures with the others.)
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (vs. 1&5) Red Hymnal #149
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold;"Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heaven great news we bring.”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold,when with the ever-circling years comes round the age of gold,
when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
Narrator: The Magi’s journey ends in a new kind of King. Their restlessness rests at last. They fall on their knees and give him bright gold, sweet smelling frankincense, and bitter myrrh, brought so far with so much love. (Enjoy the scene.)
We Three Kings of Orient Are (vs. 1&5) Red Hymnal #162
We three kings of orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar. field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice; Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Sound through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Narrator: So now we come, following the star to find God-with-us. We come as people have come all through the ages, to bring our gifts to this Child, God’s gift to us.
What Child Is This? Red Hymnal #153
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies the child in manger bare where ox and ass are feeding?Give heed, draw near, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come rich and poor, to own him;the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.
Special Music Advent Meditation Divinum Mysterium Dennis Eliot
Christmas Reflection and Prayer Rev. TJ Mack
Invitation to Offering – The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Jesus Christ has shown us how to live: loving God and neighbor, sharing what we have, engaging in acts of mercy and justice. As we celebrate his birth, and wait in hope for his coming again, let us bring the offerings of our lives before him.
Offertory See, Amid the Winters’s Snow Tune: Humility/ John Goss
*The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen
*Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison)
God of every good and perfect gift, we thank you for your greatest gift, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. In this season when so many gifts are given and received, we pray that you will receive the gifts we offer now. Use them according to your purposes and plans, bringing your good news of great joy to all people; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen
*Hymn Silent Night, Holy Night Red Hymnal #142
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light;
radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
*Benediction
*Sung Blessing All Good Gifts the tune is the refrain from R. #528
All good gifts around us come forth from God’s own love,
So, thank you, God, we thank you, God, for all your love.
Postlude Today in Bethlehem Polish Carol/ Rick Parks
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our new webpage www.hancockucc.com
or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc
or mail offerings to:
Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer)
Contact Us
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Doug Kimmel & Robin Long
Liturgist – Monica Quill
Lessons & Carols Narrator – Alison Boden
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Student Ministry Intern – Sarina Brooks
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources
Starry Nights: An Advent Devotional Full of Light and Wonder – Silent Prayer
Feasting on the Word, adapted – Call to Worship, Invocation, Offering Prayers
UMC-discipleship-org – Advent Wreath Lighting liturgy, adapted
The New Century Hymnal (B.) Hymns of Truth and Light (R.)
Copyright © 1995 The Pilgrim Press Copyright © 1998 First Congregational
Church of Huston, Texas
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License #A-738532. All rights reserved.
All Good Gifts
Words and music © 2017, Maureen Briare, adapted by Phil Devenish
Music Johann A.P. Schulz, 1800. Public Domain
Artist Statement – Expansion Angel – Channeled by Robyn Waniger, AKA Raya Light
“Greetings Dear One, I am Expansion Angel. I exude pure White Light and vibrate to the number one. I work closely with Archangel Michael, and together we support humans along their paths of growth and self-discovery.
If I, Expansion Angel, have come into your awareness, it is because your High-Self is asking you to travel far and I will gently take your hand and lead you through the unknown. My soft white wings will support you as you stretch yourself far beyond everything you’ve known. Together, we’ll explore your ability to succeed in all that you shine your light on and all that brings you joy. Know that I am here for you now, because I see your deep commitment to the Divine within you.
If you choose to follow me, I will lead you far beyond the stars. You will begin to remember who you are and why you are here. Soon you will see that you have always had the power to make your dreams come true. All that is needed is for you to trust your heart of truth, it knows exactly where to take you. Know that when you trust your heart of truth it will lead you down the aisle and straight to your heaven on earth. The time has come for you to wish upon a shooting star, this will be my cue to take your hand and lead you to your promised land.”
~ Expansion Angel
Expansion Angel stones and embellishments are Solar Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Hematite, and Crystal Gems. In representation of Expansion Angel, these stones and embellishments share the energies of: Expansion, Exploration, Healing Light, Transformation, Knowledge, Truth, Trust, Wisdom, Manifestation, and Protection.
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