Nativity of Our Lord - trinityreading.org

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Nativity of Our Lord

December 24, 2020

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the

long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the

grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is

good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our

lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Trinity Lutheran Church

527 Washington Street

Reading, PA 19601

(610) 374-4861

www.trinityreading.org

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Affirmation of Welcome: Trinity Lutheran Church is

recognized by Reconciling Works as a "Reconciling in Christ"

Congregation which welcomes all LGBTQ persons into all

facets of congregational life..

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies. Annual License #221

Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #A-727586.

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Choral Prelude

Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming Michael Praetorius/Arranged by Mark Hayes

Karen Eddinger, piano

Midnight Stars Make Bright the Skies Qi-fang Liang/Setting by Anne Krentz Organ

Trinity Ringers Quartet – Deborah Graf, Peter Graf, Hannah Long, & Blake Tobias


The Virgin’s Slumber Song Martin Boelitz & Max Reger

Megan Opalinski, soloist; Karen Eddinger, piano

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Richard Storrs Willis/Arranged by Phillip Keveren

Sandra Sittler, piano

In the Bleak Midwinter Gustav Holst/Arranged by James Michael Stevens

Jillian Rosenbaum, violin; Karen Eddinger, piano

Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang William Ballet/Arranged by David N. Johnson

Sally Hoover, soloist; Karen Eddinger, piano

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Greensleeves English ballad/Arranged by Bernar Dewagtere

Peter Graf, recorder; Karen Eddinger, piano

‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime French folk tune/Setting by Anne Krentz Organ



Away in a Manger (medley) James R. Murray, Normandy Carol,

William J. Kirkpatrick/Arranged by Mark Hayes


Nativity Lullaby César Franck/Arranged by K. Lee Scott

Ben Hoover, soloist; Karen Eddinger, piano

O Little Town of Bethlehem English traditional/Setting by Anne Krentz Organ

Lisa Speece, flute; Karen Eddinger, piano

Still, Still, Still Austrian carol/Setting by Anne Krentz Organ



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The Holy Eucharist

P Presiding Minister A Assisting Minister C Congregation

Welcome

Choral Introit

Creator of the Stars of Night

Amy Stewart-Himes, soloist; David Himes, handbells

Deborah and Peter Graf, recorder

Invocation & Dialog

P Glory to God in the highest!

C And hope to every discouraged heart.


C And peace to every conflicted soul.


C And joy to every downcast spirit.


C And the love of Christ to all the earth.

P Let us sing praises to our God.

C Let us offer this light against the darkness.

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Gathering Hymn

269 Once in Royal David’s City IRBY

The Rosenbaum Family; Declan Rosenbaum, stanza 1 soloist

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LICENSE #A-727586.

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Greeting

P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C And also with you.

Prayer of the Day

P Almighty 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 his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ

our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and

forever.

C Amen

First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 – Andrew Smith, lector

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal

child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness,

the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will

do this!

After the reading:

L Word of God, Word of life.

C Thanks be to God.

Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14 – Reagan Rosenbaum, lector

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently,

in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final

appearance.

After the reading:

L Word of God, Word of life.

C Thanks be to God.

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A Gospel Celebration

P The Christmas Gospel according to Saint Luke.

C Glory to you, O Lord.

Luke 2:1-5 – Avery Mazur, lector

Carol -- O Little Town of Bethlehem, Avery Mazur, soloist

Luke 2:6-7 – Jane Zobian, lector

Carol – Away in a Manger, Jane Zobian, soloist

Luke 2:8-12 – Declan Rosenbaum, lector

Carol – From Heaven Above, Declan Rosenbaum, soloist

Luke 2:13-15 – Jacinda Motley, lector

Carol – It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Jacinda Motley, soloist

Luke 2:16-20 – Danielle Smith, lector

Carol – Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – Danielle Smith and Abbie Smith, soloists

P The Gospel of the Lord

C Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

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Hymn of the Day

295 Of the Father’s Love Begotten DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Beth Welz, musical leader

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Annual License #221. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #A-

727586.

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Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen

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Prayers of Intercession

A Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the

world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

A The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the

world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices

of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God.

C Your mercy is great.

A Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and

those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of

the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation

rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God.


A The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world.

Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest. Inspire leaders of

nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care.

Hear us, O God.


A Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and

reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those

without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those

who are sick or hurting, especially those we name before you in our hearts.

Hear us, O God.


A Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and

expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those

running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with

your love and care. Hear us, O God.


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A The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks

for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join

them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne. Hear us, O God.


P God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all

our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.

C Amen

Peace

P The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C And also with you.

Offering of our Lives

Offertory Anthem

O Holy Night Adolphe Charles Adam/Arranged by Mark Hayes


Offering Prayer

A Gracious God, you came to us as one unknown,

bringing joy and salvation to the earth.

Nourish us at your banquet table,

that with all who welcome your birth

we may proclaim your peace,

revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

C Amen.

Candle Lighting

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Closing Hymn

281 Silent Night, Stanza 1 in German; Stanzas 1-3 in English STILLE NACHT

The Graf Family; Peter Graf, guitar

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies. Annual

License #221. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #A-727586.

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Blessing

P Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the

angels, sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star,

bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.

C Amen

Morning Softly Awakens Weston Priory/Gregory Norbet, O.S.B.

Ben Hoover & Sally Hoover, soloists

Dismissal

L Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.

C Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Still, Still, Still Paul Manz

Stephen Williams, organist

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Thank you

For more than fifty years, members and friends of the Trinity Choir and Trinity

Ringers have gathered in our sanctuary to present a half hour of special music prior to

our Christmas Eve service. While that was not possible this year, twenty-five of our

members chose to share their musical gifts with us. I am grateful that each of them

came to our beautifully decorated church to share their time and talent. May the spirit

of their offerings fill our hearts with hope as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and

Savior, Jesus Christ.

With gratitude,

Karen Eddinger, Minister of Music

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The People of Trinity Church, Ministers

Program Staff

The Rev. Alan Wolkenhauer

Deaconess Deborah Matern Graf

Karen S. Eddinger, Minister of Music

Dee Horst, Community Outreach

Partners in Ministry

The Rev. Tom Scornavacchi, Pastor-Mission Developer, Common Ground Ministry

Michael Yesenko, Common Ground Pastoral Intern

Support Staff

Matt Mellen, Media Director

Rachel Gambone, Parish Secretary

David Troche, Sexton

Peter Graf, Financial Secretary

Emeriti

The Rev. Elton P. Richards, Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Fred S. Opalinski, Pastor Emeritus

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Nativity of Our Lord - trinityreading.org

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