Christmas Eve 12 24 98
O Most Merciful God, we come at this holiest of nights to know your everlasting love for us when you came in Jesus Christ so that we may live. We seek for deeper meanings for our lives especially in the rush and bustle of balancing schedules and last minute shopping. Far from all the commotion of humanity tonight in the candle-lit place of worship we are familiar with, we have come seeking for that heart-felt meaning of Christ in our lives. Make your presence be known by us tonight.
We pray for our loved ones who are in need for hope and encouragement because they are suffering from illnesses. We pray for those who are grieving tonight because they miss their loved ones who have departed from this life to be with you. Soothe their pain of lost and remind them that in the resurrection of our Lord, we have everlasting life. And we pray for ourselves. We pray that you will touch our souls in a way that will help us to know that you are Lord of all. Guide our commitments to discern your plan for our lives in order to make a lasting difference in our world.
O God, we pray for our world tonight. Perhaps the calmness and stillness of tonight may serve as an example of how we should live all the days of the year. If it is possible for peace to last just for a moment, help us to make it last for a longer time. We pray for peace and goodwill for the Middle East, Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, South America, and San Francisco. Make our prayers represent our minds, bodies, and hearts and that we become instruments of your peace.
Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. In the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together….
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our dail bread; and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offertory
Paul said, “For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
Offertory Prayer
Dear God, we dedicate these gifts and offerings to the ministry of your church on earth. We remember the many Christian workers who have given themselves to the church and we say “Thank You” to them. Continue to bless these saints of the church as they have blessed us through their loving ministries. Amen.
Benediction
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” You too, have received the light of Christ tonight. Go into this darkened world and bring light, hope, joy, and peace so that all will know him. Now may the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you tonight and for evermore. Amen.