Blue Christmas Service
A Service of Light in the Darkness
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2
Gathering Prelude: Settings of “O come Emmanuel” and “Lo How a Rose”
M. Bedford, M. Corl & F. Peeters; J. Brahms, F. Peeters & A. Thate
Gathering Poem: Colleen Ferris, Convenor of Pastoral Care
Hymn 145: In the bleak mid-winter, “Cranham” Pat Beckett, soprano
Words of Welcome
Prayer for Illumination Pauline S.
Lighting the Candle of Hope Pauline S.
Isaiah 40:1-11
This passage was written during the exile, when many of God’s people were captives in a
foreign land, this is a text of lament, asking for God’s comfort.
Lighting the Candle of Peace Heather P.
Lamentations 3:21-24
This passage is a prayer of honesty, both acknowledging individual pain while declaring the
choice to hope through tear filled eyes.
Lighting the Candle of Joy Yvette D.
John 14:27-28
This passage is a moving reminder from Jesus that there are different seasons of life
and faith but that God is always returning to us.
Lighting the Candle of Love Jan L.
Psalm 121
This is a psalm of comfort and hope reminding us that our help comes from God and
that we never journey alone.
Hymn 122: Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel v. 1-3, “Veni Emmanuel”
Prayers of the People Billie S. & Forrest L.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20 Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock
Meditation and Lighting of the Christ Candle
Time of Reflection
Hymn 148: It came upon the midnight clear, “Carol”
The Sending (responsive)
Benediction
Organ Postlude Christmas pastorale symphonies J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel