Order of Service, Christmas Eve., Dec. 24, 2020

We may be Live Streaming at www.youtube.com/solidrockfl at 4:00 p.m. 

Thursday, December 24, 2020
The Eve of the Nativity

 Christmas Carols

“We Three Kings” Hymnal #288

“O Holy Night” Hymnal #285

“What Child Is This?” Hymnal #281

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Hymnal #277

“The First Noel” Hymnal #265

“Angels, From The Realm Of Glory” Hymnal #259

Liturgy of the Word

Processional Hymn All stand. The people of God sang as they approached the Temple for worship. The procession helps us remember that coming into the presence of God is an extraordinarily special privilege.

“Angels We Have Heard On High” Hymnal #278 

Opening Acclamation   Call to worship, to purposefully enter God’s nearer presence. The people standing, the Celebrant says: 

Celebrant        Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People             And Blessed be His Kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. 

Prayer for Purity Said by all. We ask God to help us worship Him in truth in all of life.

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. Amen.

Summary of the Law

Celebrant:

Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mk. 12:29-31)

Gloria

Sung by all.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship You, we give You thanks, we praise You for Your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayers.

For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

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

Collect Prayer for Christmas Prayed by Celebrant. We “collect” our acclamations, corporately proclaim a truth about God and ask His help in living out that truth. 

First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 (ESV)

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.
⁵ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.

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.

Psalm 96

¹ Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
² Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
⁴ For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

⁷ Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
⁸ Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
⁹ Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth!

¹⁰ Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.”

¹¹ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
¹²     let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
¹³     before the Lord, for he comes,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Second Reading Titus 2:11-14  (ESV)

     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:           The word of the Lord.
People:            Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn “Joy To The World” Hymnal #270

(Sing the first 3 stanzas)

Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-20 (ESV)

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

     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!”    

     ¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reader:           The Gospel of the Lord.
People:            Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Sing the 4th stanza of “Joy To The World” Hymnal #270

Sermon      Fr. Andrew Doan

Nicene Creed We respond to the Word of God read and expounded by stating aloud an ancient form of confessing our belief.

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 catholic¹ 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.

“catholic” means for all people, in all places, at all times.

Prayers of the People 

The Bible teaches us to pray for ourselves and others in various conditions and functions. The Leader and People pray responsively in Form 3.  Include your personal intercessions & thanksgivings silently or aloud.

The Leader and People pray responsively

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church.
That we all may be one.

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

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

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

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

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.

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

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

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

Silence

The People may add their own petitions.

We confess to God things done wrong, and things not done that should have been done. 

Minister 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.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

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. Amen.

 The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

Passing of the Peace We greet one another and seek out anyone present with whom we are at odds with before coming to Holy Communion.

Celebrant      The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People          And also with you.

Announcements

Liturgy of the Table - Holy Communion

Offertory Hymn We offer to God in thanksgiving for all He has done for us by giving
generously to the work of His church and towards the furthering of His Kingdom.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Hymnal #249

Doxology Celebratory praise is appropriate for the ability God provides us and the privilege of joining Him in His work.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, Ye heavenly Host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Birthday Prayer (when needed): (Come to the altar rail after the ushers bring forward the alms basins).

Many happy returns of the day of thy birth, and may seasons of joy be
given, and may the dear Father prepare thee on earth for a glorious
birthday in heaven. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving

        At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded His disciples to remember Him in this fellowship “meal.”

        People baptized in the Trinitarian form who discern the presence of Jesus in the Bread and the Wine are welcome to receive Holy Communion. A gluten free wafer is available upon request.

Eucharistic Prayer B 

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says

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

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

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

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.

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:

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full [full] of your glory.
            Hosanna in the highest.  [Hosanna in the highest] 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
            Hosanna in the highest.  [Hosanna in the highest]

Then the Celebrant continues

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh,

Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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 for ever. AMEN.

Spiritual Communion (said by all)

O Most blessed Savior,
in union with the faithful at every altar of Your Church
where Your blessed Body and Blood are being offered to the Father,
I desire to offer You praise and thanksgiving,
I present to You my soul and body with the earnest wish that I may
always be united to You.

I believe that You are truly present in the Holy Sacrament.
And since I cannot now receive You sacramentally into my heart;
I unite myself to You and embrace You with all the affections of my soul.
Let me never be separated from You.
Let me live and die in Your love. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell in the fulness of Your strength,
in the perfection of Your ways, and in the holiness of Your Spirit,
and rule over every hostile power within me in the might of Your Spirit,
and to the glory of Your Father. Amen.

Blessed, praised, and adored be Jesus Christ on His throne of glory in
Heaven, and in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, 

Celebrant 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 Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Celebrant:       Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People:            Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia

Celebrant:       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.

Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

When you come forward for communion if you would like the consecrated wafer only, please stay in the center of the aisle and Fr. Andy will give you the wafer only.  If you prefer to receive the wafer dipped in the chalice of consecrated wine, please go to the right or left of Fr. Andy to receive the wafer dipped in wine.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

Hymns & Songs may be sung by congregation while people receive Communion.

“Receive The Body Of Christ”

Receive the Body of Christ
Taste the Fountain of Immortality
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

Post Communion Hymn “Silent Night! Holy Night!” Hymnal #253

After Communion the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People:

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank you for feeding us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and you assure us thereby of your favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of your everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech you, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works that you have prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, gives the blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and with those whom you love, always. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“Go, Tell It On The Mountain” Hymnal #258

The Deacon, or the Celebrant, may dismiss the people with these words

                    Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!

People:   Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!