St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve Service , December 24, 2004

Pastor's Christmas Reflection Responding in Faith:

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered over them. ……
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. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:2-7

Mary was great believer. Quite contrary to every expectation, Mary was content to follow the will of God, his unique and saving will, even though she could have regarded it as unreasonable and very inconvenient. Honoured by God with the responsibility of being the mother of the world’s Redeemer, honoured by those who came to worship and adore the Child, Mary devoted herself to caring, loving and helping.

Maybe that is the secret of believing : following along faithfully, not passively accepting but actively participating, even when you don’t understand everything. That’s Mary, the mother of our Lord…… going to Egypt, of all places, to keep her Baby alive …… returning to Nazareth instead of going back to Bethlehem….. living the humble life, serving the humble poor, doing the ordinary things that must be done ….. getting water every day at the one spring in Nazareth, putting food on the mat that served as a dining table, greeting people everywhere, comforting the sick, helping needy, helping to solve problems that arise, and continuing to believe…. Always believing! Always believing!! Always believing!!!

That is Mary, sister to our mother. From Mary Jesus got his flesh and blood so that he might become our Brother. That is the humble heart responding in faith. There is something wonderful, exciting and uplifting , when in humlity we accept the grace of God which we behold tonight. May the birth of the Christ-Child fill your heart and mind with his love.

Glædelig Jul og Godt Nytår
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Frohe Weihnachten
Happy Hanukkah
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE
December 24, 2004 - 4:00 P. M.

Welcome and Announcements

Handbells - Call to worship: “O come all ye Faithful”

Organ Prelude: ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’ by Flor Peeters

Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethelehem;
Come and behold him born the king of angels;
: Oh, come, let us adore him, oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

The highest, most holy, light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing! Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God in the highest: Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Refrain

Christmas Dialogue:
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy spirit.
C: Amen.
P: The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.
C: Oh, come, let us worship Him.
P: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
C: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
P: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.
C: We have seen Christ’s glory, the glory as of a child, full of grace and truth.
P: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us.
C: What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the life of all people.
P: Tonight Christ is born; tonight salvation has appeared.
C: Glory to God in the highest! Alleluia!

P: We remember the lights that we followed which we mistook for the true lights, we confess that we have blindly followed lights that led only to darkness, we remember the lights which promised to lead us to the true light which we have not followed.
C: Forgive us, Lord.

P: Our God, the true Light, does indeed forgive us, renew us, and promise to lead us until we are safely in the light of His eternal glory.

Prayer of the day:
Gracious and all-loving God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of His glory, through this same Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn: “Angels We Have Heard on High” (LBW # 71)

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains;
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Les anges dans nos campagnes
Ont entonné l'hymne des cieux,
Et l'écho de nos montagnes
Redit ce chant mélodieux:
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him, whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ, the Lord, our new-born King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Scripture Reading: The Promise of a Just Ruler – Micah 5:2-5 (Reader: Roger)
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil, we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.

En rose så jeg skyde, of af den frosne jord.
Alt som os fordum spåde, profetens trøsteord.
Den rose spired frem
Midt i den kolde vinter om nat ved Bethlehem.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God's love aright,
She bore to men a Saviour, when half spent was the night.

For rosen nu jeg kvæder om kap med Himlens hær;
En jomfru var hans moder, Maria ren og skær.
I ham brød lyset frem
Midt i den mørke vinter om nat ved Bethlehem.

O Saviour, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe;
O Saviour, King of Glory, who dost our weakness know,
Bring us at length we pray
To the bright courts of heaven, and to the endless day.

Scripture Reading: For us a Son is born – Isaiah 9:2-7 (Reader: Anne-Marie)
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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Hymn: “Det kimer nu til Julefest” (LBW # 56)

Det kimer nu til julefest,
Det kimer for den høje gæst,
Som steg til lave hytter ned
Med nytårsgaver: fryd og fred.

To David’s city let us fly,
Where angels sing beneath the sky,
Through plain and village pressing near,
And news from God with shepherds hear.

O, kommer med til David’s by,
Hvor engle sjunge under sky;
O, ganger med på marken ud,
Hvor hyrder høre nyt fra Gud!

O let us go with quiet mind,
The gentle Babe with shepherds find,
To gaze on Him who gladdens them,
The loveliest flow’r on Jesse’s stem.

Kom, Jesus! vær vor hyttegæst,
Hold selv is os din julefest,
Da skal med Davids harpe-klang klang
Dig takke højt vor nytårssang!

Scripture Reading: God’s Grace Has Appeared – Titus 2:11-14 ) (reader: Svend)
For the grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all mankind; and by it we are disciplined to renounce godless ways and worldly desires, and to live a life of temperance, honesty, and godliness in the present age, looking forward to the happy fulfillment of our hope when the splendour of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus will appear. He it is who sacrifices himself for us, to set us free from all wickedness and to make us a pure people marked out for his own, eager to do good.

Scripture Reading: The Birth Of Jesus –Luke 2:1-7 (Danish) ) (reader: Hanne)
Men det skete i de dage at der udgik en befaling fra kejser Augustus, at al verden skulle skrives i mandtal. (Det var den første indskrivning, som skete, mens Kvirinius var landshøvding i Syrien). Og alle gik hen for at lade sig indskrive, hver til sin by. Og fordi Josef var af Davids hus og slægt, drog også han op fra Galilæa, fra byen Nazaret, til Judæa til Davis by, som hedder Bethlehem, for at lade sig indskrive tillige med Maria, sin trolovede, som var frugtsommelig. Og det skete, medens de var der, kom tiden, da hun skulle føde. Og hun fødte sin søn, den førstefødte, og svøbte ham og lagde ham i en krybbe, thi der var ikke plads til dem i herberget. I den samme egn var der hyrder, som lå ude på marken og holdt nattevagt over deres hjord. Og en Herrens engel stod for dem, og Herrens herlighed strålede over dem, og de blev grebet af stor frygt. Men engelen sagde til dem: "Frygt ikke; thi se, jeg forkynder eder en stor glæde, som skal være til hele folket. Thi eder er i dag en frelser født i Davids by; han er Jesus Kristus, Herren! Og dette skal være jer et tegn: I skal finde et barn svøbt og liggende i en krybbe."

Hymn: “Dejlig er Jorden” (DDK # 37, LBW # 518) Dejlig er jorden!

Prægtig er Guds Himmel!
Skøn er sjælenes pilgrimsgang!
Gennem de favre riger på jorden
Går vi til Paradis med sang.

Beautiful Saviour, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love thee, truly I’d serve thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Tider skal komme, tider skal henrulle,
Slægt skal følge slægters gang;
Aldrig forstummer tonen fra himlen
I sjælens glade pilgrimssang.

Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,
Bright the flow’rs of blooming spring;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels in the sky.

Englene sang den først for markens hyrder;
Skønt fra sjæl til sjæl det lød:
Fred over jorden! Menneske fryd dig:
Os er i dag en frelser fød!

Scripture Reading: Appearance of Angels – Luke 2:8-14 (Reader: Sasha)

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!"

Hymn: “Jeg er så glad (Norwegian) I am so Glad each Christmas Eve ” (LBW # 69)

1. Jeg er så glad hver julekveld, For da ble Jesus født.
Da lyste stjernen som en sol, Og engler sang så søtt.

2. The little child in Bethlehem, He was a king indeed!
For he came down from heav’n above, To help a world in need.

3. Nu bor han høyt i himmerik- han er Guds egen sønn,
men husker alltid på de små, og hører deres bønn.

4. I am so glad each Christmas Eve! His praises then I sing;
He opens now for ev’ry child The palace of the king.

5. Jeg holder av vår julekveld, og av den Herre Krist,
og at han elsker meg igjen, det vet jeg ganske visst.

Marie Wexelsen (1832-1911) (Mel. Peder Knudsen)

Scripture Reading: Adoration Of The Shepherd – Luke 2:15-20 (Reader: Vanessa)

After the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another, "Come, we must go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with all speed and found their way to Mary and Joseph; and the baby was lying in the manger. When they saw him, they recounted what they had been told about this child; and all who heard were astonished at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered over them. Meanwhile the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen; it all happened as they had been told.

Choir Anthem: “ Coventry Carol ”

Hymn: “ Go Tell It on the Mountain ” (LBW 70)

Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hill and every-where:
Go tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born

1. While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, through-out the heavens There shone a holy light.
Refrain:…….

2. The shepherds feared and trembled When, lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Saviour's birth.
Refrain:…….

3. Down in a lone-ly manger The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn
Refrain:…….

Children's Time:

Christmas Offering: ’Wake, awake for night is Flying’ (J.S. Bach)

Hymn: “ Joy to the World ” (LBW 39)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its King;
Let every heart prepare him room
Refrain: And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns! Let all their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Refrain: Repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Refrain: Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
Refrain: And wonders of his love.

Prayer: Our Father / Fader Vor / Fader Vor / Vater unser / Notre Père

Closing remarks: (President, Linda Tae)

Benediction

Deacon's prayer:

Hymn: “Silent Night” (LBW # 65)

E. 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, :

D. Fred på jord, fryd på jord, Jesus-barnet blandt os bor!
Engle sjunge om barnet så smukt, Han har Himmerigs dør oplukt,
:. Salig er englenes sang. :

G. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja, Tönt es laut von fern und nah,
:. Christ, der Retter, ist da.:

F. O nuit d'amour! Sainte nuit! Dans l'étable, aucun bruit;
Sur la paille est couché l'enfant, Que la vierge endort chantant;
Il repose en ses langes, Son Jésus ravissant.

S. Stora stund, heliga stund! Änglars här slår sin rund
Kring de vaktande herdars hjord, Rymden ljuder av glädjens ord:
Kristus till jorden är kommen, Eder är Frälseren född.

N. Salig fred, himmelsk fred Toner julenatt her ned.
Engler bringer til store og små Bud om ham som i krybben lå
:. Fryd dig hver sjel han har frelst! .:

E. Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from your holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
:. Jesus, Lord at your birth.:

Handbells: “Silent Night”

Organ Postlude: "In Thee is Gladness" ? - J. S. Bach

“This night did God become a child.” This simple but profound statement from a contemporary Christmas hymn touches both the power and the wonder, the joy and the delight of the Christmas Gospel. This is, indeed, the good news: God comes to us in Jesus—the Saviour of the world is born!

May your heart and life be filled with thanksgiving and with joy of knowing Jesus and may there be praise and joy in everything you do! We are glad you have joined us tonight! As you celebrate Christmas may your heart be filled with praise for the One who came to give us hope, peace , and joy. It is our sincere wish that you experience His presence. A very Happy Christmas to all!

Our sincere thanks to Julia Shantz, organist & music director, the St. Ansgar's Handbell choir, St. Ansgar's voice choir, Susan for teaching Sunday School, Rosemarie for operating the projector.
Thanks to our Lectors: Hanne, Anne, Svend, Venessa, Sasha, and Roger.

Thanks also to each and everyone of you for making this a festive evening so special. May the miracle and the wonder of the Christ-child’s birth fill your heart with peace, joy, happiness and love, this Christmas and everyday of the coming year to all members & friends of St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA MEMORIALS - 2004

TO REMEMBER

In memory of family members of Joan and Kris
In memory of Bent B. Hylland
Family and friends Bettina
The fathers of Jette & Tony: Henning and Alexander
Bergljot & Jørgen Sørensen
Süster Petersen
Knud Eriksen
Robert & Lorraine Kinnu
Pau Andresen
Erik Jørgensen
Niels Golding
Frederikke Smith
Anne-Marie & Niels Christoffersen
Karen & Richard Baur
Marguerite & Joe Jocks

(Donor's names and comments have not been cited in this Web version, for confidentiality)