The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Christ is born! A Lutheran candlelight worship service for Christmas Day, Anno Domini 2022 – Year A
Lessons
Any of the following three propers may be used on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The readings from propers II and III for Christmas may be used as alternatives for Christmas Day. If proper III is not used on Christmas Day, it should be used at some service during the Christmas cycle because of the significance of John’s prologue.
Revised Common Lectionary — Year A
I
A child is born for us — Isaiah 9:2–7
Let the earth be glad — Psalm 96
The grace of God has appeared — Titus 2:11–14
God with us — Luke 2:1–20 or Luke 2:1–14
II
God comes to restore the people — Isaiah 62:6–12
Light springs up for the righteous — Psalm 97
Saved through water and the Spirit — Titus 3:4–7
The birth of the Messiah revealed to shepherds — Luke 2:1–20 or Luke 2:8–20
III
Heralds announce God’s salvation — Isaiah 52:7–10
The victory of our God — Psalm 98
God has spoken by a Son — Hebrews 1:1–12 or Hebrews 1:1–4
The Word became flesh — John 1:1–14
Personal Reflections
That late night liturgy was exactly what I needed. I am reminded of my love for Christ and all the people of God. For the first time in months I felt truly at home. During the pastor’s sermon he recounted a conversation he had with a hospice nurse who in her modesty, noted that Pastors also comfort the dying. He replied that while that was certainly true, he also had the great joy of baptizing children … and every once in a while an adult. With that he nodded at me because I was the only person present who as an adult, had been baptized by him in that very same church.
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6-7
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 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.
I don’t think I have been out so late since Easter. Perhaps it is no coincidence that was the last time I worshiped as a Lutheran before joining the Presbyterian church. Happy Christmas to you and your and your family.