The Holy
Eucharist
Christmas Eve 2025
December 24, 2025
St. Paul’s Parish
Organ Preludes: In Dulci Jubilo J.S. Bach; Away in a Manger
Gordon Young; Now Come, Saviour J.S. Bach; Meditation on ’Silent
Night’ Gilbert Martin
House lights are dim
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
Short
Lesson of Scripture:
Matthew 5: 14-16
Lighting of the 4 Altar & 5 Wreath candles
The Prayer for Light
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
House lights brighten
(Processional at 7)
118 O Come, All Ye Faithful (v 1-5)
Welcome
‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the Lord.
Now the Word is made flesh and laid in a manger.
From eternity to eternity you are God,
and now we see you as a newborn child.
The
Collect of the Day
Let us pray in the peace of this Christmas celebration
that our joy in the birth of Christ will last for ever.
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Proclamation of the Word
Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
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 Counsellor, 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.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
135 Shepherds in the Field Abiding (verses 1-4)
The
Gospel:
Luke 2:1-20
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 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!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon
4 p.m. The Little Road to Bethlehem (Michael Head)
7 p.m. Anthem: Away in a Manger (W.J. Kirkpatrick, arr. Perry)
Affirmation
of Faith
Let us declare our faith in God:
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us
with power from on high.
We believe in one God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The
Prayers of the People
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Strengthen us to do your will, to love and serve this world. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Help us welcome the immigrant and the refugee. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. We give thanks for emergency personnel and members of the Canadian Forces who are on call and working this night. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to those who mourn and all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Help us be attentive to their difficulties and be a people of hospitality. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Sudan and in any place where there is conflict, injustice and war. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption. And to show your love and your call to justice in all that we do. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. May those who travel at this time of year do so safely. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. And comfort those who mourn. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God
hear our prayer.
Father, in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Confession
and Absolution
Christ the light of the world has come
to dispel the darkness of our hearts.
Let us turn to the light and confess our sins.
Silence is kept.
Most
merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw you to himself
and cleanse you from all your sins, that you may
behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The
Peace
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Announcements
137 What Child is This
The
Celebration of the Eucharist
The Prayer over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyful feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever. Amen.
The
Great Thanksgiving - Eucharistic
Prayer 3
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 our thanks and praise.
Blessed
are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and
praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was
made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; in him we have
seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
Therefore
with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of
praise to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and 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.
We
give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known
to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken
through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
For
in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the
Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and
made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On
the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely
accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to
you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is
my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After
supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to
them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which
is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore,
Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and
we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting
to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We
pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they
may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite
us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be
sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In
the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and
bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and
daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the
head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;
by
whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour
and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Silence
The
Breaking of the Bread - Incarnation
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The
Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Lamb
of God
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
Communion
146 ’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
125 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
122 In the Bleak Midwinter
140 It Came upon the Midnight Clear
Sending forth of the Community
Instrumentally, Silent Night begins under the following,
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Father of all, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we who have tasted heavenly things share in the life of his eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As the
congregation’s candles are lit, the lights dim, the singing begins,
Instrumentally,
Silent Night continues under the following,
Prayer
O God, your love was so great for us that you gave us your Son to shine out in our darkness. Help us to make that love known to all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Responsory
The glory of the Lord has been revealed
and all flesh shall see it together.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
a light no darkness can quench.
The shepherds kept watch by night,
and your glory shone round about them.
The darkness is not dark to you,
the night is as bright as the day.
Let your light scatter the darkness
and fill your Church with your glory.
The doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
(Recessional at 7)
154 Joy to the World
Dismissal
Alleluia! Go in peace.
Proclaim the Word made flesh.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Merry Christmas! On slides
House lights come up again, for safety as people exit.
Christmas Eve 2025
December 24, 2025
St. Paul’s Parish
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
The Prayer for Light
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(Processional at 7)
118 O Come, All Ye Faithful (v 1-5)
‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the Lord.
Now the Word is made flesh and laid in a manger.
From eternity to eternity you are God,
and now we see you as a newborn child.
Let us pray in the peace of this Christmas celebration
that our joy in the birth of Christ will last for ever.
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
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 Counsellor, 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.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 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!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us declare our faith in God:
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
who strengthens us
with power from on high.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Strengthen us to do your will, to love and serve this world. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Help us welcome the immigrant and the refugee. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. We give thanks for emergency personnel and members of the Canadian Forces who are on call and working this night. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to those who mourn and all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Help us be attentive to their difficulties and be a people of hospitality. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Sudan and in any place where there is conflict, injustice and war. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption. And to show your love and your call to justice in all that we do. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. May those who travel at this time of year do so safely. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. And comfort those who mourn. Holy God
hear our prayer.
In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God
hear our prayer.
Father, in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Christ the light of the world has come
to dispel the darkness of our hearts.
Let us turn to the light and confess our sins.
we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The Prayer over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyful feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever. Amen.
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 our thanks and praise.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and 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.
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
146 ’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
125 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
122 In the Bleak Midwinter
140 It Came upon the Midnight Clear
Instrumentally, Silent Night begins under the following,
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Father of all, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we who have tasted heavenly things share in the life of his eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer
O God, your love was so great for us that you gave us your Son to shine out in our darkness. Help us to make that love known to all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The glory of the Lord has been revealed
and all flesh shall see it together.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
a light no darkness can quench.
The shepherds kept watch by night,
and your glory shone round about them.
The darkness is not dark to you,
the night is as bright as the day.
Let your light scatter the darkness
and fill your Church with your glory.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
154 Joy to the World
Alleluia! Go in peace.
Proclaim the Word made flesh.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
House lights come up again, for safety as people exit.
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