Prayers and Hymns, December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord
ALL: Isaiah 9:2-7 (For Unto us a child is born)
ALL: Psalm 96 (Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name)
ALL: Titus 2:11-14 (God’s salvation has appeared in Jesus, training us to live godly lives)
ALL: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) (The story of Jesus’ birth)
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Opening Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379
Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380
Gradual Hymn: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, selected verses (use a couple for each end of Gospel procession!)
LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358
OR Jesus, What a Wonderful Child: ELW #297
Hymn of the Day: Let All Together Praise Our God: (Break out the trumpets and horns
and timpani, please!!) LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389
OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288
Offertory Hymn: What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370
Communion Hymns: Use as many as needed for your circumstance
Communion Hymn #1: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271
Communion Hymn #2: Away in a Manger: LBW #67, ELW #277, 278; LSB #364, 365
Communion Hymn #3: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear: LBW #54, ELW #282; LSB #366
Communion Hymn #4: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289; LSB #368
Communion Hymn #5: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279; LSB #361
Candle-Lighting Hymn: Silent Night: LBW #65, ELW #281; LSB #363
Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267; LSB #387
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Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, we come to your cradle with joy and wonder! We adore you for your loving-kindness. We thank you for making yourself small and meek, so we can approach you without fear. Thank you, dear Savior. Accept our hearts as our loving gift.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make the Church your holy manger. Bless it with your dear presence, your great goodness, and your holy love. Like herald angels, let it always announce your mercy and favor to all who receive you into their hearts and lives.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make this congregation a Bethlehem stable. Give us joyful souls, eager to adore and announce your precious Name. Give us generous hearts, so that we see and welcome you, hidden in the least of your sisters and brothers. Give us tireless hands and feet, so we may hurry to share your great love with those who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Prince of Peace, protect and bless your persecuted servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. Transform their tormentors into heralds of your undeserved mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Little Lord Jesus, bless all the dear children who most need your tender care. Keep them safe from every danger. Give childlike faith to everyone who doubts your existence or despairs of your forgiveness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Born a Child, you are the King of the nations, and their Lord. Conform our rulers to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will, to love justice and mercy, to walk humbly with you, and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.
Lord, in your mercy, our prayer.
Angels sang of peace and good will at your birth. Yet violence still troubles your people, even on this holy night. Let your angels protect and direct all whose work is difficult and dangerous. Bring justice and mercy to places of discord and chaos, and grant us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings. Shine the light of your salvation on all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope. Encourage all who care for them. Let the good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be near us, Lord Jesus, we ask you to stay close by us forever, and love us always. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear and mercifully answer our prayers, dear Lord, according to the favor you bear for your people. Amen.
