12/24/25 Bulletin - Christmas Eve
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- 11 min read
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
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2025 - Lessons and Carols
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.
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 when we stand in body or spirit
Prelude In Dulci Jubilo J.S. Bach
*Advent Candle Lighting
Voice One: Tonight, we light the Christ candle.
All: Many of us consider this to be the most holy moment of the season. As we watch the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love be lit, a familiar wonder fills our hearts.
Voice Two: There is a lifting tonight, a gentleness of spirit making space for each of us to bring our inner children before God. These children within might be damaged, lonely, unsafe. They might be hungry and crying, bewildered and afraid. None of us arrives tonight unscathed. We are all touched by the hardships of the world, which is why this moment is so sacred.
Voice One: Just as Jesus comes to us in the manger, we stand here together, with the miracle of this season. God sent to us a child, a human being born of a vulnerable young woman with no rights, no healthcare – not even a woman by her side as she gave birth to the Christ child.
Voice Two: Yet she survived. Mary did what so many of us cannot –she allowed her faith to become everything when she was afraid. She conceived her child, confessed to her husbandthat the child she carried was not his, then gave birth to a child, who two millennia later, is still changing our lives.
All: As we light our Christ candle tonight and spread the flame to each person here, let us hold the courage of Mary in our hearts. Now, and throughout this year, let her mother us all and renew our faith in Christ.
*Introit Come, God, Creator, Be Our Shield (all verses) B. #69
Come, God, Creator, be our shield, the One to whom our cares we yield;
And in our worship, faith impart, your grace and calm to every heart.
Come, gracious Jesus, be our guest, our morning joy, our evening rest;
And in our daily lives impart your love and peace to every heart.
Come, Holy Spirit, be our guide, our strength to risk against the tide.That in God’s world we shall impart your light and hope to every heart.
*Call to Worship
One: Sing to the Holy One, a new song. Sing praises to the Creator, Maker, and Sustainer of all things seen and unseen.All: From the depth of deep hope, a great light shines. We shine the light of hope.One: For a child has been born named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Presence, Prince of Peace.All: From the depth of deep peace, a great light shines. We shine the light of peace.One: Honor and majesty are before the Glorious God; strength and beauty are in God’s sanctuary.All: From the depth of deep joy, a great light shines. We shine the light of joy.One: For great is the Righteous and Just God. Declare the marvelous works and wondrous ways of God with Us!All: From the depth of deep love, a great light shines. We shine the light of love.We shine the light of Christ! Glory to God!
Special Music The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Arr. Robert 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
Scriptures Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-20
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 stay close 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 See, Amid the Winter’s Snow Humility/ John Barr
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 Noel in G Louis-Claude Daquin
*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. 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 May the Blessing of God R. #346
May the blessing of God go before you. / May her grace and peace abound. / May her Spirit live with-in you. / May her love wrap you ‘round. / May her blessing remain with you always. / May you walk on holy ground.
Postlude What Star is This Tune: Puer Nobis Praetorius/ Franklin Ritter
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
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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 & Ron Schwizer
Lessons & Carols Narrator –
Liturgist –
Audio-Video Support –
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources
Call to Worship - ucc.org. Invocation, Offering Prayers - Feasting on the Word, adapted.
Lighting the Christ Candle for Christmas Eve, Year A was written by Maria Mankin.
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.
The Poinsettias on the Altar tonight were given by:
Alison Boden
In Loving Memory of Richard E. Boden
Jack Candy
In Honor of the Lewis Family and
In Loving Memory of Charlie & Betty Lewis; Fran Trefts; Dennis King; and Mary Sturm & Scott Traylor
Myrna Coffin
In Loving Memory of Steve Coffin
Gary & Jeanne Edwards
In Loving Memory of Lynne Josselyn; Lora Josselyn; Nelson (Buzz) & Pat Edwards
Everett & Vicky Espling
In Loving Memory of loved ones.
Gertrude Haskins
In Loving Memory of Edie Y. Lounder
Sally Knapp
In Loving Memory of Jim Snyder
Gerry & Sonny Mehl
To the Glory of God
Bill O’Meara
In Loving Memory of Jean C. O’Meara
Jenifer Remick
In Loving Memory of Lillian
David Wildes & Cynthia Wood
In Loving Memory of Frank & Gertrude Wildes and Diann Wilde
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