FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
ON THIS CHRISTMAS EVE – December 24, 2023
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us today. We invite you to join in on the bold print in the bulletin and to stand as you are able any time you see a ⇑. The restrooms are out the back door of the sanctuary to the right, as is a little space in case your little one needs a walkabout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please join us for fellowship after worship!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CENTERING TIME
God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
OPENING PRAYER
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (C#128)
Come listen, the sounds of God with us, ring clear,
And signs of a cross in the distance appear.
The Word once made flesh, yet the Word ever near.
One candle is lit for Christ’s birthday is here.
GIFT OF SONG
REFLECTION
THE LESSONS AND CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS
FIRST LESSON: Luke 2:1-5 (Oldtown Bible: NT 71)
O Little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by.
Yet in the dark street shineth
The everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight.
SECOND LESSON: Luke 2:6-7 (Oldtown Bible: NT 71)
Away in a manger, no crib for a 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.
THIRD LESSON: Luke 2:8-16 (Oldtown Bible: NT 71)
The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel.
FOURTH LESSON: Matthew 2:1-2, 5, 8-12 (Oldtown Bible: NT 2)
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.
FIFTH LESSON: John 1:1-16 (Oldtown Bible: NT 111)
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing. (3x)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SPECIAL MUSIC “O Holy Night”
(During our special music, you are invited to come forward to present an offering in the baskets up front if you feel so moved)
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
(please do not tip lighted candles while lighting)
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.
A READING FROM ISAIAH
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 RESPONSE
God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!
Please extinguish your candle before leaving the sanctuary
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
675 Old Post Road, North Attleborough, MA 02760
508-695-1713
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/oldtownucc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldtownucc
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Learn more about our denomination: www.ucc.org