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Welcome to Messiah! Whether you’re a member, a returning guest, or maybe this is your first time at Messiah, we welcome you to this time of worship. During our time together, we hope that you experience the presence and love of God in a profound and

life-changing way! May the music we share stir you, may the prayers we offer comfort you, and may the proclaimed Word of God challenge you to live with a new passion

and purpose. Again, we are honored that you have chosen to worship here today. Let’s

give God all glory and praise.

First-Time guests, we invite you to look through the “Welcome to Messiah” brochure found in the attendance card slot on the pew in front of you. If you have any questions,

please talk to an usher. We also encourage you to visit the Guest Information Desk to

receive a special welcome packet.

“Prepare Ye!” Series– Throughout the season of Advent, we contemplated the many ways we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child on Christmas through Scripture and reflection. Tonight it culminates in the birth of our Savior. Here are the themes and Scriptures we’ve focused on for you to use in our own quiet time.

Ponder-Mary serves as a model for us in this pondering in the message delivered to her by the angel Gabriel; that she would give birth to the Messiah. Psalm 48:9 and Luke 1:26-38. Prayer-We think about ways in which we can take more time during this season to communicate to our God through prayer as we wait for Christ. Zechariah, who went to the temple to pray, serves as an example for us of how hard that waiting in prayer can be. Psalm 63:19 and Luke 1:5-25. Praise-We celebrate the upcoming arrival of our Savior through praise as we prepare for Him. Elizabeth, in her greeting of Mary, provides a benchmark for rejoicing with others over the good news of salvation in Jesus, even as we wait. Psalm 30:4 and Luke 1:39-45. Proclaim-We contemplate how we can prepare ourselves and others for the arrival of Jesus through our proclaiming. John the Baptist stands as the forerunner of all future proclaimers of Christ and gives us the courage to use our own voices to proclaim our devotion to the One who is born to save. Psalm 145:6 and Luke 3:2-11. Prepare a Place-This holy night resounds with joy for God’s mercy, grace and love that are packaged and delivered in the gift of our Savior. Just as Mary and Joseph prepared a place for the baby Jesus to rest his head in a manger, so we prepare a place in our hearts this Christmas Eve for Jesus to be present with us.

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Christmas Eve Worship

December 24, 2020 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00pm

A PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Heavenly Father, be here with us in our worship tonight. As the candles remind us of the joy that came into the world through Jesus Christ, we know that when this season is over, the candles will burn low, and die out. But, we rejoice that Your true light can never be extinguished from our lives. As our thoughts now turn towards Bethlehem, grant to each one of us Your spirit of love, that we may worship as the shepherds did. Let us be open to Your coming, so that You will truly be born into our hearts. Be with us now, and with all who worship You at this time wherever they may be. Help us all to show our gratitude by loving You, and those around us – not only at Christmas but every day of our lives. Amen.

WE WELCOME ONE ANOTHER IN CHRISTIAN PEACE AND JOY

THE CAROL “O Come, All Ye Faithful” #7

THE INVOCATION AND LITANY P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the fellowship of

the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: Amen. P: Prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the desert a highway for our God! C: To us a Child is born. P: To us a Son is given. C: And the government will be on His shoulders. P: And He will be called— C: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. P: For unto you is born today in the city of David— C: A Savior, who is Christ the Lord! THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION P: The Lord is with us this evening and always! Tonight we remember our Lord who was

born in strife to bring us life. We remember His birth. But as we ponder His love and the events of His birth, we also realize that looming in the background of the manger

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him Born the king of angels. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, glory in the highest. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

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is the shape of a cross. This Child was born to die for you and for me; for the sins and the salvation of the world. In Him we place all our hope and trust, for He removes our fears. We are sinners in need of a Savior. Let us reflect on and repent of our sins.

C: On this holy night, merciful Father, hear our confession, for frequently we hesitate to take after Your Son. Instead we take the forbidden fruit, like Adam and Eve, and try to hide it from You. We take advantage of others, while mouthing pious words. We take Your blessings for granted, living with thankless hearts. We take vengeance upon those who hurt us, promising retaliation. We take life into our own hands, ignoring Your holy will. We take refuge and satisfaction in sin, ignoring Your commandments. We take hold of our possessions, refusing to let them go. We take part in sinful conversations, oblivious as to how they break Your heart. We are sorry for all of the ways we have let You down, O Lord, and ask for Your loving forgiveness.

P: Luke writes in tonight’s gospel lesson, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Jesus your Savior took your place in the manger and upon the cross. As the Christ and Lord, Jesus took all of your sin, shame and brokenness. I announce to you the complete and full pardon of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. For unto you is born today in the city of David,

C: A Savior who is Christ the Lord! Thanks be to Him forever. Amen. THE CAROL “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #4

THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:1-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a

land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of

Hark! The herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King! Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King!

David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

THE GOSPEL CAROL “What Child is This?” #6

THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar

Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

P: This is the Gospel of our Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ.

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you; Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!

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THE SERMON HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” #5

THE MESSAGE “Whoever Takes the Son Gets It All” THE HYMN OF RESPONSE “The First Noel” #8

THE OFFERING PRAYER THE OFFERING AND ANTHEM “There’s a Song in the Air” (3:00) Averi Scruggs “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (5:00) Brenda Bucher & Johanna Wise “Noel” (7:00) Ginny Wilson THE PRAYERS P: Gracious Father, we long to live much less of a driven life and much more of a called

life. We long to live with less fear and more freedom, less by frenzy and more by faith, with fewer obsessions and with much more adoration of you, the God of all peace. So we heed the words of St. Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always!”

C: Forgive the times when You call us forward and we do nothing and make excuses. Instead, enable us to be like Mary as we go forward proclaiming, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.”

P: For many of us what hinders most is fear. The fear of not being enough and having enough, the fear of losing face and losing control, the fear of missing the mark and missing out. Only Your presence with us can keep us from falling into the pit of worry and anxiety.

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song? Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds In fields as they lay; In fields where they lay tending their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the King of Israel. Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon the knee, And offered there, in His presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the King of Israel.

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C: Drive out everything in our lives that holds us back from full-hearted and all-out devotion to You. Your Son lived a life of perfect obedience for us as the second Adam, fulfilling everything You require of us. Christ’s resurrection from the dead on the third day is the firstfruits and guarantee that one day we will be as lovely as You and as loving as You. What a glorious day of rejoicing that will be!

P: O Lord God, we place ourselves, these prayers and those we love before Your throne of grace, trusting in the powerful and priceless name of Jesus.

C: Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER C: 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 forever and ever. Amen.

THE CANDLELIGHTING

(The pastor takes the light from the Christ candle,

which symbolizes Christ as the Light of the world.

The ushers light their candles from the pastor’s

candle, and pass the light on to the congregation.

Tip only the unlighted candle. Do not tip the lighted

candle to avoid dripping the wax. Hold the candles

straight up and the wax will not drip. Thank you.)

THE CANDLELIGHT ANTHEM “O Holy Night” #3

Karen Eichinger (3:00) Leah Lewis (5:00) Aubrey Bosse (7:00) THE CAROL “Silent Night” #1

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and child,

Holy infant, so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake, at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heavenly hosts sing “Hallelujah”

Christ, the Savior is born, Christ, the Savior is born.

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THE CANDLELIGHT PRAYER

P: As the light of these candles illumines our faces, it reminds us of You, Jesus, our Light, the Child in the manger at Bethlehem.

C: You are the Light of the world, and the eternal Light of heaven, where there is

no need of candle or sun.

P: We ask You to illumine Your Church, for You are the Light that no darkness can overcome.

C: May the beautiful Light of this silent night reflect on our faces each day, so

that the world sees You shining through us with love, hope, joy, and peace.

Please extinguish your candles.

THE BENEDICTION P: Prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the desert a highway for our God! C: Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. P: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. C: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our

hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. P: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” has shone in our hearts. C To give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus

Christ. For unto us is born today in the city of David—a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!

P: As you leave this place, may the Living Light go with you. May He go behind you, to encourage you, beside you, to befriend you, above you, to watch over you, beneath you, to lift you from your sorrows, within you, to give you the gifts of faith, hope, and love, and always before you, to show you the way.

C: Amen. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Amen.

THE SILENT PRAYER

Loving God, help me remember the birth of Jesus, that I may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver me from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach me to be merry with a clear heart. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Your child, and Christmas evening bring me to my bed with grateful thoughts of being forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, loves pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

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THE CLOSING HYMN “Joy to the World” #2

THE POSTLUDE

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

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MESSIAH LAMBS Early Childhood offers a Christ-centered program to children who are 6 weeks through the age of 5. Our caregivers and teachers are exceptional and offer many opportunities for children to grow spiritually, developmentally and cognitively. Our school is growing, and we would be happy for you to be a part of this exciting ministry. Registration for the 2020-2021 academic school year is currently open. Registration for 2021-2022 begins in February. For more information, please contact the Lambs' office at 972-398-7560. YOUTH Both in-person and virtual Sunday School for grades 5 through 12 is offered every Sunday at 9:45 AM. Michael Neumann teaches grades 5, 6, and 8 (Adrienne McGregor is assisting him). Vicar Matt Lee is teaching Confirmation class for grade 7. Jodi Sorenson and Barb Coen are teaching grades 9-12 (Katy Moyer is assisting). MESH, which is for grades 9-12, is now being taught in-person by Michael Neumann each Wednesday either in the couch room or in the north parking lot of the Administration Building from 7 to 8:30 PM. Vicar Matt Lee teaches JAM (grades 5-8) every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:15 PM virtually.

The women’s ministry at Messiah is called KINGDOM WOMEN for all women 21+. You do not have to be a member to participate. We have several opportunities to gather each month. 2021 BOOK STUDY “ALIVE IN HIM” BY GLORIA FURMAN-On the 4th Saturday of each month at 11am, we gather as one of our members lead us through one chapter of the book in our large 2nd Floor Multi-Purpose Room. A light lunch follows. In the weeks afterwards, small groups gather in person or on zoom to discuss the current chapter in depth. To find out how you can be involved and/or to order your copy of the book, please e-mail Ellen Thorne, eet75002@yahoo.com. Cost for the year’s study is $15 payable to Messiah. KINGDOM WOMEN BOOK CLUB-Our book selection is “The Christmas List” by Richard Paul Evans, a Christmas story of true redemption. The book discussion is on Monday, January 11th, at 6:30pm on Zoom. To receive your zoom invite, please e-mail Ellen Thorne, eet75002@yahoo.com. KINGDOM YOGA FOR ALL ADULTS-Led by Alexis Maldonado, a certified Holy Yoga Instructor. Kingdom yoga offers classes that combine yoga with scripture reading, meditation, and it is set to Christian music! Perfect for churches, mom's groups, and anyone else looking to connect with God. To learn more, please contact her at thekingdomyogi@gmail.com. CLASSIC MOVIE CLUB-for those who love those great black and white films. Our next one is “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy from 1948, on Saturday, January 16th, at Noon in the 2nd Floor Multi-Purpose Room. Bring your own snacks and beverages. This is a free event. WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERMON SERIES-January 13th-February 10th. Our sermons will focus on portions of the book of Judges. Bring your Bible and come to learn about these fascinating stories. Worship begins at 7:00pm in the Chapel. Holy Communion is offered. Our Weekly Sunday Announcement Guide lists more outreach, fellowship, worship, and Bible Study opportunities and other information. If you are not able to be present to receive one on Sundays or Wednesdays, you can find the PDF on our website, www.messiahlutheran.com.

Come Celebrate Beyond Christmas

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BE A PART OF MESSIAH’S MUSIC MINISTRY-There are many ways to be involved in music instrumentally and vocally at Messiah from kindergarten on up! To learn more contact: dorothy@messiahlutheran.com. Take advantage of the amazing SPORTS, RECREATION and UPWARD SPORTS opportunities available to you. For more information, please contact Toby Meeks at tmeeks@messiahlutheran.com. LOOKING FOR A WEEKDAY BIBLE CLASS? Outside of Sunday mornings, we offer a Men’s Bible Class on Wednesdays at Noon, as well as 2 Women’s Bible Studies: one on Tuesdays, at 9:30am; one on Thursdays, at 9:30am. To find out more, please contact the Church Office, 972-398-7500. REACH OUT TO OUR COMMUNITIES Stop by the Social Outreach area outside of our Chapel, or by The Lamp Gift Shop to see how you can get involved in numerous ways to serve those in need around us. For more information contact Dawn Johnson, dawnmj@fastmail.net. Other wonderful outreach can be found through our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as well as our Comfort Dog Ministry. They also have tables set up for you to check out! THE LAMP GIFT SHOP-Make sure to step into our Gift Shop to find meaningful and inspirational gifts for others as well as yourself. HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF MESSIAH: If you live in the area, and do not have a church home, discover how God has a place for you in this exciting church for Jesus Christ! Membership in Messiah is made possible in various ways: 1) BAPTISM: Messiah believes in our Lord’s command to baptize all nations, and so it extends to all – infants, children, youth, and adults – who have not been baptized, the sacrament of Holy Baptism! 2) TRANSFER: We will accept the transfer of your membership from another Lutheran church. 3) CONFIRMATION: We invite you to participate in our Adult Information Class. After completing this course, you may choose the Rite of Confirmation to become a member. Our next Adult information Class will begin on Monday, January 11th, at 7PM, in the Reception room of our Education building. This class is open to members as well as non-members of our church! Even if you are grounded in the Lutheran faith, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know Pastor Kollmann, and more about being a member of Messiah. If you would like to become a member of Messiah in any of these ways, or if you would like to know more, call the church office, 972-398-7500. CHRISTIAN SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU AT MESSIAH: Personal, Family, or Marriage Counseling Baptism Marriage Shut-In Visitation Hospital Visitation Children’s and Youth Activities Church Membership

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Messiah Lutheran Church 1801 West Plano Parkway Plano, Texas 75075 A Congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary: 8:30 & 11:00AM (Holy Communion every Sunday in Advent)

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class: 9:45-10:40AM

Wednesday Worship-Chapel 7:00PM

Church Office: 972-398-7500

Lambs’ Early Childhood Center Office: 972-398-7560

Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann, Senior Pastor Rev. James Otte, Associate Pastor Vicar Matt Lee, DCE for Youth/Music/Tech Amy Myers, Lambs' ECC Director Ellen Thorne, Celebration Ministries Dorothy Sherrod, Music Ministries Amy Plenger, Children’s Ministries Don Johnson, Property Ministries Kathy Mardis, Executive Administrative Secretary Kim Johnson, Administrative Assistant Toby Meeks, Sports and Recreation Ministries Cyndi Scruggs, Receptionist Carmen Rowan, Gift Shop Manager E-mail: messiah@messiahlutheran.com Website: www.messiahlutheran.com

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will share God’s light as we: Gladly enter God’s House weekly (Worship) —Psalm 122:1 Listen for God’s voice. (Discipleship-Bible Study, Quiet Time, Prayer)— John 10:27 Open my heart and hands to serve God. (Ministry) —1 Samuel 12:24 Wholeheartedly love God and my neighbor. (Evangelism/Fellowship-Outreach) —Luke 10:27

GLOW and GO!

PREACHER Rev. Dr. Victor Kollmann

LITURGIST Vicar Matt Lee (3:00pm) Rev. Jim Otte (5:00 & 7:00pm)

ORGANIST Dorothy Sherrod

AUDIO VISUAL TEAM Bill Swan, Toby Meeks, Chuck Tolsma

Hymns & Liturgy: Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100013432.