December 24, 2021 | 4:00 p.m. | Children’s Pageant Christmas Eve
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church | Williamsburg VA
The Lighting of the Advent Wreath All five candles are lit.
Leader: We are called to worship this day as we light the fourth candle, remembering love. We are reminded that God loves the world so much that Jesus was sent to be our Savior.
We worship God in the Way of Jesus, receiving and sharing God’s love, so that we are saved from ways of death and saved for ways of receiving and sharing abundant life.
Holy Spirit, breathe in us the breath of life this day, that we can be part of celebrating and sharing
your new life in Christ.
Open our eyes, ears, and hearts that we may love you in body, mind, and spirit, and love our neighbors and ourselves for the healing and hope of the world.
We spend a moment in silence to center ourselves and make the transition from “getting here” to “being here.”
Hymn 66, verses 1&2 Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Leader: Come, holy people, called by God, let us follow the way prepared for us.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among those who please God.
Once again the world is surprised at a manger, as the glory of God surpasses what is expected.
Let us go to Bethlehem to see what God has made known to us.
There in Bethlehem and here today at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Williamsburg VA,
we are reminded anew of the wonder of God’s ways.
Let us glorify and praise God for all that we have seen and heard!
Narration
Scripture Reading John 1:1-4, 5, 9-14, 18
(All sing) People, look East! The time is near of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look East and sing today: Love the guest is on the way.
Narration
Scripture Reading Luke 1:26-38
Hymn 265, verses 1-3 The angel Gabriel from heaven came
Narration
Anthem O Little Town of Bethlehem Caia Brown
Mary & Joseph with baby enter the sanctuary and go up the aisle.
Narration
Hymn 101, verses 1&2 Away in a manger
Child-angel with star goes and stands behind Mary and Joseph.
Narration
Hymn 87 verses 1&3 Hark! The herald angels sing Mattie Smith
All other angels move to the front.
Narration
Hymn 102, verses 1,3&6 Once in royal David’s city
All shepherds move to the front.
Narration
Hymn 115, verses 1&2 What child is this?
All animals move to the front.
Narration
Hymn 99, verses 1&2 Go tell it on the mountain
All townspeople move to the front.
Narration
Hymn 83, verses 1&2 O come, all ye faithful Amelia Butler
All actors return to their seats.
The Sharing of the Peace of God
The Holy Communion
The Offertory O Holy Night Isabella Roesch
The Offering of Gifts
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer D
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power, God of might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
The Celebrant continues
Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you, Lord our God.
The Celebrant continues
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Blessed Martin of Tours and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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 daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Communion Music
Hymn 89 It came upon the midnight clear
Hymn 112 In the bleak midwinter
Hymn 111 Silent night, holy night
The Post-Communion Prayer
God our Father, in this night you have made known to us again the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: confirm our faith and fix our eyes on him until the day dawns and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
The Christmas Blessing
Hymn 100, verses 1, 2 &4 Joy to the world!
The Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Actors
Mac Ambler
Caia Brown
Campbell Burden
Amelia Butler
Ned Carr
Matt Jordan
Rhys Jordan
Roma Marling
Maddie Meconnahey
Harper Riley
Isabella Roesch
Meggie Rogers
Anthony Smith
Ben Smith Jr.
Mattie Smith
Louis Wincheski