Christmas Eve Liturgy

Opening Prayer

God of silent nights and shining stars,

We gather tonight as shepherds once did—drawn by wonder, hoping for peace.

In the hush of this holy night, let Your Word become flesh among us.

Let every carol and candle awaken in us a deeper joy.

We wait, and You arrive. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Call to Worship

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

People: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.

Leader: For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.

People: And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Leader: Let us worship the newborn King!

Call to Confession

Even on this night of radiant beauty, we come with burdens—of sin, sorrow, and silence. Let us bring our whole selves to the manger and seek God’s mercy.

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God,

We confess that we have wrapped our lives in selfishness and fear.

We have failed to make room for You or for our neighbors in need.

Forgive us, and come again into the cold places of our hearts.

Let your light shine where we need it most.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news:

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10, link).

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Glory to God in the highest!

Suggested Scripture Readings

Isaiah 9:2–7

“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, link)

“For 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.”

(Isaiah 9:6, link)

Luke 2:1–20

“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered…”

(Luke 2:1, link)

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger…”

(Luke 2:7, link)

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”

(Luke 2:10, link)

Titus 2:11–14

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions…”

(Titus 2:11–12, link)

”…while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

(Titus 2:13, link)

John 1:1–14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…”

(John 1:1, link)

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory…”

(John 1:14, link)