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St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church † Bingen

11555 N. US Highway 27

Decatur, IN 46733

Website: www.stjohnbingen.com

Worship: 8:00 am & 10:30 am / Wednesday 6:30 pm

Phone: 260-639-6178 churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com

_____________________

The Reverend John Dreyer, Pastor pastor@stjohnbingen.com

Study: 260-639-6585 cell: 260-301-2131

The Reverend Peter Brock, Pastor pastorbrock@stjohnbingen.com

cell: 260-301-1640

Emergency Pastoral Line (rings both Pastors) 260-301-2118

_____________________

WELCOME TO WORSHIP at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church! We are glad that you have come to the Lord's house today to be fed and strengthened by God's holy Word. The Order of Service for tonight is printed in this worship folder. Guests, we extend a special welcome to you this evening and pray that your hearing of God's Word may be a blessing to your life and salvation. If you are visiting with us, please include your name and address in our guest book located in the entry of the church. We are privileged to have you as our guest today and encourage you to worship with us again soon.

OUR NURSERY AND RESTROOMS are located through the south doors (on the left as you leave the sanctuary) and to your left. The service can be heard and seen in the nursery through a live, closed-circuit television broadcast.

ASSISTED HEARING DEVICES are available for your use during the service. Please ask a Deacon to assist you if you would like to make use of one.

Children’s Christmas Service

Prayer before Worship

O God, because You once caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, grant that we who have known the mystery of that Light here on earth may come to the full measure of its joys in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Theme

“The Quempas goes ’round” is the expression that has been used for several hundred years to describe Quempas singing, a delightful custom that dates back to the Middle Ages. The name Quempas comes from the first two words of the carol in the original Latin language: “Quem pastores.”

Though it can be performed in a variety of arrangements, much symbolism is involved in the celebration of Quempas. The light of the candles reminds us of the Light of the world, Christ our Savior. Carrying the light to the four corners of the church can remind us of our privilege and responsibility to carry God’s redeeming message to the “four corners of the earth.” The passing of the “song” from congregation to choirs can remind us of the support we give one another in the body of Christ as we go about the task of being His messengers. The emphatic refrain, sung by all, reminds us of the oneness we have in Christ. Our celebration of the Quempas Carol is interspersed with the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and the singing of familiar Christmas carols.

In many churches, the Quempas constituted the principal item of carol singing on Christmas Eve; in fact, the service was not considered complete without the singing of the Quempas. The refrain of the Quempas Carol—“God’s own Son is born a child; God the Father is reconciled!”—is drawn from another very old carol: “Resonet in Laudibus.” The antiphon for tonight’s psalm is based on the melody of “Resonet in Laudibus,” indicating that the Psalms point us to Christ and His incarnation.

The Evening Canticle used in this service, known as the Phos Hilaron, is one of the oldest Christian hymns, dating from around AD 200. Only one other extra-biblical hymn is older (“Shepherd of Tender Youth”). The Phos Hilaron (Greek for “Joyous Light”) has been used during the lighting of lamps at the evening service for centuries.

A Note Regarding Photographs

Because this church service is not a mere program or performance but an opportunity to worship, we kindly ask that you refrain from taking photographs or video during the service. You are invited to take photographs after the service.

Children’s Service

+ In Nomine Jesu +

Preservice Music

Stand

processional Hymn Oh Come, All Ye Faithful LSB 379

1. Oh, come, all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant!

Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him

Born the king of angels:

Refrain:

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ the Lord!

2. Highest, most holy,

Light of light eternal,

Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;

Son of the Father

Now in flesh appearing! Refrain

3. Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God

In the highest: Refrain

Jesus, joyous light of glory,

Holy and blest,

Son of the immortal Father,

Highest and best:

Now while day to night surrenders,

In the sunset’s fading splendor,

Songs of praise to You we render—

Lord, be our rest.

Christ, of all life’s good the Giver,

With one accord

You are worthy, now and ever,

To be adored;

So the world its glory bringing,

Joins celestial voices ringing:

Father, Son, and Spirit singing—

“One holy Lord!”

Prayer

P. We praise and thank You, O God, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, that You have enlightened us by revealing the Light that never fades. Night is falling, and day’s allotted span draws to a close. The daylight which You created for our pleasure has fully satisfied us, and yet, of Your free gift, now the evening lights do not fail us. We praise You and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; through Him be glory, honor, and power to You in the Holy Spirit now and always and forever and ever.

C. Amen.

Psalmody Psalm 98

Children sing.

Sing to God a new song:

He has done marv’lous things!

Sing to God a new song.

The congregation sings the verses in bold:

P. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done | marvelous things;*

His right hand and His holy arm have worked salva-| tion for Him.

C. The Lord has made His sal-| vation known*

and revealed His righteousness to the | nations.

P. He has remembered His love and His faithfulness to the house of | Israel;*

all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation | of our God. Antiphon (children sing)

P. Shout for joy to the Lord, | all the earth,* burst into jubilant song with | music;

C. make music to the Lord | with the harp,* with the harp and the sound of | singing,

P. with trumpets and the blast of the | ram’s horn—* shout for joy before the | Lord,

the King. Antiphon (children sing)

P. Let the sea resound, and all that | is in it,* the world, and all who | live in it.

C. Let the rivers | clap their hands,* let the mountains sing togeth-| er for joy;

P. let them sing be-| fore the Lord,* for He comes to | judge the earth.

C. He will judge the world in | righteousness* and the peoples with | equity.

All. Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit;

as it was in the be-| ginning,* is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon (children sing)

Sit

The Christmas Story

and

Quempas Carol

Introduction Pastor

Reading Luke 2:1–5

Carol In a Little Stable Preschool/Kindergarten

Children sing.

Reading Luke 2:6–7

Carol Away in a Manger Preschool/Kindergarten

Children sing.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,

And stay by my cradle ’til morning is nigh.

Benear me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

Reading Luke 2:8–11

5th–8th grade children sing.

He whom shepherds once came praising,

Awed by heav’nly light ablazing,

Cheered by angel news amazing:

“King of glory, Christ is born!”

The glorious angels came today,

Aglow with light into the night of darkness deep,

To shepherds who by moon’s bright ray

Did in the field o’er sheep their silent vigil keep.

“Joy, great joy and tidings glad we bring from heav’n resounding,

For you, for you and all the world abounding.”

All join in singing the refrain:

Recitation from Luther

Stand

Carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing LSB 380

1. Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn king;

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled.”

Joyful, all you nations, rise;

Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic hosts proclaim,

“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn king!”

2. Christ, by highest heav’n adored,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!

Hail, incarnate deity!

Pleased as man with us to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel! Refrain

3. Hail the heav’n-born 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 we no more may die,

Born to raise each child of earth,

Born to give us second birth. Refrain

+ + +

Sit

Reading Luke 2:12

5th–8th grade children sing.

He whom sages, westward faring,

Myrrh and gold and incense bearing,

Humbly worshiped, off’rings sharing,

Judah’s lion reigns this morn!

“God’s majesty has come to earth

And sent his only Son to you in humankind;

A chosen virgin gave him birth.

In David’s town the holy infant you will find,

Lying helpless in a manger, poor and bare and lowly,

To set you free from all your sorrow wholly.”

All join in singing the refrain:

Recitation from Luther

Carol Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 1st-4th Grade LSB 393

Children sing.

1. Infant holy, infant lowly,

For His bed a cattle stall;

Oxen lowing, little knowing

Christ the child is Lord of all.

Swiftly winging, angels singing,

Bells are ringing, tidings bringing:

Christ the child is Lord of all!

Congregation:

2.Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping

Vigil till the morning new

Saw the glory, heard the story,

Tidings of a Gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,

Praises voicing, greet the morrow:

Christ the child was born for you!

Children sing.

On Christmas night all Christians sing

To hear the news the angels bring,

On Christmas night all Christians sing

To hear the news the angels bring,

News of great joy, news of great mirth,

News of our merciful King's birth.

When sin departs before His grace,

Then life and health come in its place,

When sin departs before His grace,

Then life and health come in its place;

Angels and men with joy may sing,

All for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light,

Which made the angels sing this night,

All out of darkness we have light,

Which made the angels sing this night:

"Glory to God and peace to men

Now and forevermore. Amen"

+ + +

Reading Luke 2:13–14

5th–8th grade children sing.

Sing with Mary, virgin mother;

Praise her Son, our newborn brother;

Angel ranks, lead one another,

Hailing him in holy joy!

Then sang the angels this refrain:

“To God on high alone give praise and glory,

And peace on earth again shall reign.

Let all on earth with gladness heed this story

And rejoice in his goodwill.” The Savior came in meekness

For you, for you, to bear your flesh in weakness.

All join in singing the refrain:

Recitation from Luther

Stand

Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High LSB 368

1st-4th grade children sing.

1. Angels we have heard on high,

Sweetly singing o’er the plains,

And the mountains in reply,

Echoing their joyous strains.

Congregation:

Refrain:

Gloria in excelsis Deo;

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

2. Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Refrain

3. Come to Bethlehem and see

Him whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee

Christ the Lord, the newborn king.

Refrain

Sit

+ + +

Reading Luke 2:15–16

5th–8th grade children sing.

To our king, God ever reigning,

Yet of Mary manhood gaining,

Heav’nly gifts for us obtaining,

Raise your hymns of homage high!

The wond’ring shepherds said: “Behold!

Let us now go with all good speed to Bethlehem

To see this thing the Lord has told;

The sheep are safe; he will indeed take care of them.”

There they found the wonder child, in lowly swaddling clothes lying,

Yet all the world with his free grace supplying.

All join in singing the refrain:

Recitation from Luther

Carol Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming LSB 359

1. Lo, how a rose e'er blooming

From tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse's lineage coming

As prophets long have sung,

It came, a flow'ret bright,

Amid the cold of winter,

When half-spent was the night.

2. Isaiah 'twas foretold it,

The rose I have in mind;

With Mary we behold it,

The virgin mother kind.

To show God's love aright,

She bore to us a Savior,

When half-spent was the night.

3. This flow'r, whose fragrance tender

With sweetness fills the air,

Dispels with glorious splendor

The darkness ev'ry-where.

True man, yet very God,

From sin and death He saves us

And lightens ev'ry load.

4. O Savior, child of Mary,

Who felt our human woe;

O Savior, King of glory,

Who dost our weakness know:

Bring us at length we pray

To the bright courts of heaven,

And to the endless day.

Children sing.

Refrain:

Go tell it on the mountain,

Over the hills and ev’rywhere;

Go tell it on the mountain

That Jesus Christ is born!

1. While shepherds kept their watching

O’er silent flocks by night,

Behold, throughout the heavens

There shone a holy light.

Refrain

Congregation:

2. The shepherds feared and trembled

When lo, above the earth

Rang out the angel chorus

That hailed our Savior’s birth

Refrain

3. Down in a lonely manger

The humble Christ was born;

And God sent us salvation

That blessed Christmas morn.

Refrain

Sit

Christmas Message "God Is Reconciled" Luke 2:1-20

(Christmas Message Outline on page 13)

Offering

Stand

Magnificat

P. Let us pray.

O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C. Amen

P. Taught by our Lord and trusting His promises, we are bold to pray:

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.

P. Let us bless the Lord.

C. Thanks be to God.

P. The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and preserve you.

C. Amen.

Hymn Silent Night LSB 363

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.

(German)

   Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!
   Alles schläft, einsam wacht
      Nur das heilige Elternpaar,
      Das im Stalle zu Bethlehem war,
   Bei dem himmlischen Kind,
   Bei dem himmlischen Kind.

2. Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight;

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior, is bom!

3. Silent night, holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy

face

With the dawn of redeeming

grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

II. "She gave birth...and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them" (Luke 2:6-7)

A Christmas Service for School-age Children

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The text of Psalm 98 is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.