WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
101 PONDFIELD ROAD WEST,
BRONXVILLE, NY 10708
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 24, 2023
8:00 PM
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist:
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Choir: Raphaella Medina, Lauren Mitchell,
Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE - 2023
PRELUDE: “MEDLEY OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS”
INTROIT: “WERE YOU THERE THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT?”
*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Minster: Glory to God in the highest.
People: And on earth peace, goodwill toward all people, everywhere.
Minister: For unto us a child is born!
People: And the government shall be upon his shoulders.
Minister: Unto us a Son is given:
All: And the child’s name shall be called “Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Parent, and Prince of Peace!”
*HYMN: “O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL”
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation!
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (Refrain)
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! (Refrain)
*Unison Prayer: We thank you, God, for your gift of Jesus Christ. We thank you that Christ’s coming makes hope, peace, love and joy real. Encourage us to do our part to bring goodwill and peace to our families, our churches, our neighborhoods, and the world. Now let your Spirit put us in touch with you, the living God, through the words and music we hear tonight. In the spirit of our Lord we pray. AMEN.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE ON THE ADVENT WREATH – MR. TOM RIGGS
THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE IN WORDS AND MUSIC
THE PROPHECY: ISAIAH 62:6-12
6 Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, 7 and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. 8 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; 9 but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” 10 Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. 11 Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth. Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” 12 And they shall be called the holy people, The redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought out, a city not forsaken. (Revised Standard Version).
ANTHEM: “INFANT HOLY”
*CAROL: “IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR”
It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to all from heaven’s all gracious King;”
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heav’nly music floats o’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hov’ring wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife, the world has suffered long;
Beneath the heav’nly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
And warring humankind hear not the tidings which they bring;
And hush the noise and cease your strife and hear the angels sing.
For, lo, the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,
When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold,
When peace shall over all the earth it’s ancient splendors fling,
And all the world give back the song which now the angels sing.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS: LUKE 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
SOLO: “IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER”
*CAROL: “AWAY IN A MANGER”
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
he little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with you there.
THE ANGELS AND THE SHEPHERDS LUKE 2:8-14
And in that region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”
ANTHEM: “SING NOEL”
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER PONNURAJ
*CAROL: “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH”
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains;
And the mountains in reply echo back their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo. Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say, what may the tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song.
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee, Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
See him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.
THE CHRISTMAS OFFERTORY: “O, HOLY NIGHT”
DOXOLOGY:
*CAROL: “WHAT CHILD IS THIS?”
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom Shepherds guard and angels sing!
Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies he in such poor estate, Where animals are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. (refrain)
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone him. (refrain)
THE CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY
To be safe during the candle lighting, please dip your unlit candle into the lit candle
*CAROL: “SILENT NIGHT”
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.
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.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
BENEDICTION & EXTINGUISHING OF THE CANDLES
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: “HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all you nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see: Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
*POSTLUDE:” GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN”
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
CHRISTMAS 2023
The Beautiful Poinsettia plants decorating the chancel and
Festive wreaths on the outer doors of the church have placed this
Christmas as tribute of love and gratitude to God.
Mrs. Georgia LaBlanc in loving memory of loved ones
Ms. June Nickerson in loving memory Joseph & Lily Nickerson
Rev. Dr. Chris. Ponnuraj & Mrs. Vatsala Ponnuraj in loving memory of loved ones
Mr. Youngren Ponnuraj in loving memory of grand parents
Mr. Robert Orbach in loving memory of his mother Rand Orbach
Ms. Susan Reisinger, in memory of Avis & George Reisinger and loved ones
Roman family in memory of loved ones.
Rev. Allan Ross and Mrs. Vynetta Ross in loving memory of all People
Ms. Sheila Sievertsen in gratitude for family and in loving memory of loved ones
We remember loved ones with flowers and prayers, because we believe in Eternal life.
God freely chose to give us Jesus so that we might have life eternal. Christmas is a day for great gratitude.
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas
And
A Happy New Year 2024
101 PONDFIELD ROAD WEST,
BRONXVILLE, NY 10708
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 24, 2023
8:00 PM
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist:
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Choir: Raphaella Medina, Lauren Mitchell,
Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE - 2023
PRELUDE: “MEDLEY OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS”
INTROIT: “WERE YOU THERE THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT?”
*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Minster: Glory to God in the highest.
People: And on earth peace, goodwill toward all people, everywhere.
Minister: For unto us a child is born!
People: And the government shall be upon his shoulders.
Minister: Unto us a Son is given:
All: And the child’s name shall be called “Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Parent, and Prince of Peace!”
*HYMN: “O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL”
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation!
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (Refrain)
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! (Refrain)
*Unison Prayer: We thank you, God, for your gift of Jesus Christ. We thank you that Christ’s coming makes hope, peace, love and joy real. Encourage us to do our part to bring goodwill and peace to our families, our churches, our neighborhoods, and the world. Now let your Spirit put us in touch with you, the living God, through the words and music we hear tonight. In the spirit of our Lord we pray. AMEN.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE ON THE ADVENT WREATH – MR. TOM RIGGS
THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE IN WORDS AND MUSIC
THE PROPHECY: ISAIAH 62:6-12
6 Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, 7 and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. 8 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; 9 but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” 10 Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. 11 Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth. Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” 12 And they shall be called the holy people, The redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought out, a city not forsaken. (Revised Standard Version).
ANTHEM: “INFANT HOLY”
*CAROL: “IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR”
It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to all from heaven’s all gracious King;”
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heav’nly music floats o’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hov’ring wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife, the world has suffered long;
Beneath the heav’nly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
And warring humankind hear not the tidings which they bring;
And hush the noise and cease your strife and hear the angels sing.
For, lo, the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,
When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold,
When peace shall over all the earth it’s ancient splendors fling,
And all the world give back the song which now the angels sing.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS: LUKE 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
SOLO: “IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER”
*CAROL: “AWAY IN A MANGER”
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
he little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with you there.
THE ANGELS AND THE SHEPHERDS LUKE 2:8-14
And in that region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”
ANTHEM: “SING NOEL”
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER PONNURAJ
*CAROL: “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH”
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains;
And the mountains in reply echo back their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo. Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say, what may the tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song.
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee, Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
See him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.
THE CHRISTMAS OFFERTORY: “O, HOLY NIGHT”
DOXOLOGY:
*CAROL: “WHAT CHILD IS THIS?”
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom Shepherds guard and angels sing!
Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies he in such poor estate, Where animals are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. (refrain)
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone him. (refrain)
THE CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY
To be safe during the candle lighting, please dip your unlit candle into the lit candle
*CAROL: “SILENT NIGHT”
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.
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.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
BENEDICTION & EXTINGUISHING OF THE CANDLES
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: “HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all you nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see: Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
*POSTLUDE:” GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN”
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
CHRISTMAS 2023
The Beautiful Poinsettia plants decorating the chancel and
Festive wreaths on the outer doors of the church have placed this
Christmas as tribute of love and gratitude to God.
Mrs. Georgia LaBlanc in loving memory of loved ones
Ms. June Nickerson in loving memory Joseph & Lily Nickerson
Rev. Dr. Chris. Ponnuraj & Mrs. Vatsala Ponnuraj in loving memory of loved ones
Mr. Youngren Ponnuraj in loving memory of grand parents
Mr. Robert Orbach in loving memory of his mother Rand Orbach
Ms. Susan Reisinger, in memory of Avis & George Reisinger and loved ones
Roman family in memory of loved ones.
Rev. Allan Ross and Mrs. Vynetta Ross in loving memory of all People
Ms. Sheila Sievertsen in gratitude for family and in loving memory of loved ones
We remember loved ones with flowers and prayers, because we believe in Eternal life.
God freely chose to give us Jesus so that we might have life eternal. Christmas is a day for great gratitude.
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas
And
A Happy New Year 2024