December 24, 2022
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD, CHRISTMAS EVE (I)

INTRODUCTION
In winter's deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus' birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
the Word made flesh,
our life and our salvation.
Amen.

Trusting the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior,
let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God of life,
you promise good news of great joy for all people,
and call us to be messengers of your peace.
We confess that too often we hoard our joy,
our resources, and our security.
We nurture conflict and build barriers.
We neglect the needs of our neighbors
and ignore the groaning of creation.
Have mercy on us.
Where we are self-centered, open our hearts.
Where we are reluctant, give us courage.
Where we are cynical, restore our trust.
Renew us with your grace
and give us again the hope of eternal life in you.
Amen.

Hear the good news:
We are children of God and heirs of God's promises
through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In + Jesus we are forgiven and redeemed.
Sing with joy, for all the ends of the earth
shall know the salvation of God.
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. I am bringing you good news of great joy for | all the people:* to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messi- | ah, the Lord. Alleluia. (Luke 2:10-11)

READINGS AND PSALM
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. (Ps. 96:11)
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14 [15–20]

FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7
This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah's king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God's passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

2The people who walked in darkness
	have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
	on them light has shined.
3You have multiplied the nation,
	you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
	as with joy at the harvest,
	as people exult when dividing plunder.
4For the yoke of their burden,
	and the bar across their shoulders,
	the rod of their oppressor,
	you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
	and all the garments rolled in blood
	shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For 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.
7His 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.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

PSALM: Psalm 96
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. (Ps. 96:11)

1Sing to the LORD | a new song;
	sing to the LORD, | all the earth.
2Sing to the LORD, bless the name | of the LORD;
	proclaim God's salvation from | day to day.
3Declare God's glory a- | mong the nations
	and God's wonders a- | mong all peoples.
4For great is the LORD and greatly | to be praised,
	more to be feared | than all gods.   R
5As for all the gods of the nations, they | are but idols;
	but you, O LORD, have | made the heavens.
6Majesty and magnificence are | in your presence;
	power and splendor are in your | sanctuary.
7Ascribe to the LORD, you families | of the peoples,
	ascribe to the LORD hon- | or and power.
8Ascribe to the LORD the honor due the | holy name;
	bring offerings and enter the courts | of the LORD.   R
9Worship the LORD in the beau- | ty of holiness;
	tremble before the LORD, | all the earth.
10Tell it out among the nations: "The | LORD is king!
	The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved
will judge the peo- | ples with equity."
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the | earth be glad;
	let the sea thunder and all that is in it;
let the field be joyful and all that | is therein.
12Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your com- | ing, O LORD,
	for you come to | judge the earth.
13You will judge the | world with righteousness
	and the peoples | with your truth.   R

SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14
The appearance of God's grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior's final appearance.

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
	14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
God's greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the "good news of great joy" and proclaim God's blessing of peace.

1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
	8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
	14"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
	and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
	[15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.]

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.
With wonder and thanksgiving for Christ's coming into the world, we pray for the church, the life of the earth, and the whole human family.
A brief silence.
Your infinite love is born to us this night. With choirs of angels the church proclaims the good news. Send us out as messengers of the hope that has come to all people. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
You are pleased to dwell with your creatures and the whole earth sings for joy. Renew the splendor of creation from the smallest cell to the widest galaxies. Guide us to be wise stewards of your gifts for the sake of generations to come. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your authority is over the nations. Break the rod of oppression in every land and free all people from fear. Bring peace where there is war, compassion where there is suffering, and healing where there is disease (regions in crisis may be named). God of grace,
hear our prayer.
You cherish those who are most vulnerable. Protect infants and children, and bless those who care for them. Watch over women giving birth, attend the dying, and relieve any who are in pain (especially). Shelter refugee families and those who have no home. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your lovingkindness embraces everyone in need. Help any for whom this season is lonely or joyless. Comfort those among us, or known to us, who are experiencing distress of body or mind, missing loved ones, or grieving (especially). God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
You welcome those who have died into the joyous light of glory. We give thanks for the saints of every time and place who have praised you with lives of faith and humility. Inspire us by their example to love you by serving others. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Pondering the mystery of eternal love made flesh in Christ Jesus, we commend all for whom we pray to the mercy of God.
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
God of abundance,
receive and bless these gifts we have offered.
Join our hearts with the song of the angels,
and gather us at your table of celebration.
Strengthen us to share with all the world
the abundance of your grace upon grace,
poured out in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Glory to God in the highest!
Come to the table of peace.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God our redeemer,
you have fed us at this table
with gifts of grace, truth, and life.
As you have gathered us in joy,
send us forth as messengers of your peace.
Make us shine with the good news of your glory,
born to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

BLESSING
God bless you and keep you,
+ Jesus grant you grace and truth,
and the Spirit send peace upon your hearts,
now and forever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Christ the Savior is born!
Go in peace. Proclaim this good news.
Thanks be to God.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Scripture quotations (except psalms) from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.