Liturgy for Christmas Eve, The Nativity of the Lord, Year B, Mark
Introduction
Christmas Eve gathers people who come every week and people who have not been inside a church all year, and the readings meet them all in the same place: in the dark, waiting for a light. I pray your service(s) go well and that the Spirit opens minds and hearts to Jesus.
This complete liturgy for Christmas Eve, the Nativity of the Lord, follows the Revised Common Lectionary for Year B. The Christmas Eve readings are the same in every lectionary year, so this order of worship can serve any year you need it. It includes a lighting of the Christ candle, a call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, prayer for Illumination, and benediction. Find every Advent and Christmas service in the Advent Liturgy hub, and for new resources a few times a month, join my newsletter.
Lectionary readings for Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, for a child has been born, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. See the titles of Jesus in the Bible.
Psalm 96: A call for all the earth to sing a new song, for the heavens and fields and trees to rejoice before the Lord who is coming. See how many songs are in the Bible.
Titus 2:11-14: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, and teaches us to live in hope. Read who wrote Titus.
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20): Under a decree from Emperor Augustus, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born and laid in a manger, and angels announce the good news to shepherds. Read where Jesus was born and why he was laid in a manger, who was emperor when Jesus was born, and about the angels' Gloria in Excelsis.
Liturgy for Christmas Eve
Lighting of the Christ Candle
One: We have lit the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.
All: Now we light the Christ candle.
One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
All: Christ is born. The light has come.
Call to Worship
One: O sing to the Lord a new song.
All: Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
One: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice.
All: Let the fields exult, and every tree of the forest sing for joy.
One: Come, let us worship.
All: For the Lord has come.
Opening Prayer
Holy God, on this night you came to us the way every one of us came into the world: small, needing to be held, wrapped in cloth by tired hands. No room was made for you, and you came anyway. Meet us in the crowded and quiet places of this night. Let the light that shone on the shepherds shine on us, and make our hearts a place where Christ is welcome. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have filled our lives so full there is little room left for you. We have looked for you in bright and important places and missed you in the manger. We have let the season rush past us. Forgive us, and make room in us for Christ to be born again. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all." (Titus 2:11)
Friends, this is the good news: unto us a child is born, and in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
God of glory, as the angels brought good news to the shepherds, bring your Word to us now. Let us hear it with wonder and treasure it in our hearts. Amen.
Benediction
Go now, like the shepherds, glorifying and praising God for all you have heard and seen. Carry the light of Christ into the dark of this night and every night to come. And may the peace of the Prince of Peace be with you always. Amen.
More Benedictions and Blessings
See also
Advent Liturgy
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
Planning next Sunday?
This liturgy is one of many. Find more for your worship planning in two places.
