Franklin Federated Church
A Community of Abundant Welcome to All,
Growing Together in Christ and Serving with Love
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2021 - 7 p.m.

(found on church website Franklinfederated.org and FaceBook page)

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Presentation of the Peace Light - Jake Houlihan

Advent Wreath Liturgy (adapted from Touch Holiness)

ONE: Tonight is the night for which we have been waiting. The Advent wreath is completed with the Christ candle in the center. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders.”
ALL: With the birth of Christ our lives are centered, focused, turned toward God. We light this candle because Christ is the center of our lives.
(The purple and pink candles are lighted first, followed by the white “Christ” candle in the center.)
ONE: Please join me in prayer.
ALL: Dear God, who comes to us in Jesus, on this night as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let the power of Christ come into our hearts that we might find peace with you forever. Amen.

*Christmas Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” - #148, Verses 1 & 2

Reading: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ by Clement Clark Moore
- Readers: Greg Flynn; Carrie Flynn; Lyn Pickhover; Bob Miller; Steve Kinson

Duet: “Hope Awakes” - Stephanie Potts and Julie Gorman

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7 [“A decree went out…gave birth…]
- Jake Houlihan, Reader

*Christmas Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” - #144, Verses 1 & 2

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20 [Shepherds and Angels] - Hannah Burr, Reader

*Christmas Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” - #150, Verses 1 & 2

Sermon/Story: “The Inn Keeper,” written by Rev. Frederick Buechner
- recited by Rev. Marlayna

Christmas Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Marlayna

Song: “O Holy Night” - Kathy Danielson (on video)

Tolling of the Bell - Steve Kinson/Brady Flynn

Benediction

Lighting of the Candles

*Christmas Carol: “Silent Night” - #145, Verses 1, 2 & 3

Postlude: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” - Julie Gorman