HELPFUL NOTES FOR THIS WEEK:
- Download the Christmas Eve Bulletin: Riviera Presbyterian Church Bulletin Script December 24, 2020 (PDF)
- Watch the video on Youtube or above. Premiere is at 6:00 p.m. Thursday Dec. 24.
- When the video finishes, join our HOLY GROUNDS Zoom call at 7:00 p.m..: (Zoom ID 829 1129 7119 pw 056833)
- Let us know you attended worship with us tonight / submit a prayer of praise or concern
- We offer Adult Sunday School on Sundays before worship. Email the church office for a Zoom link.
- Our next worship is with Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt of More Light Presbyterians. Our next Communion is Sunday January 3rd.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE
DECEMBER 24, 2020
RIVIERA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Good Evening! Welcome to Riviera’s Christmas Eve worship service. We’re delighted that you are connecting with us tonight; even when we’re physically apart, the Holy Spirit unites us as one community!
Let us know you worshiped with us this evening by filling out the Friendship Form located on our website’s home page, www.rivierachurch.org. If you are joining us via Facebook or YouTube, please check in or leave us a comment so we know you are worshiping with us. Don’t forget to keep checking our various social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for up-to-date information, find us @RivieraChurch”
GATHERING
PRELUDE
-
- Hymn 119: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
OPENING CAROL
GREETINGS –– Rev. Martha Shiverick
The heavens tell of your glory this evening, O God. All creation sings for joy. For tonight we celebrate a birth that took place centuries ago, that tonight still brings to each of us great light and the promise of abundant life. We come this evening to experience the awe; to be amazed; and to hear the story again and make it our own. We come seeking the love and acceptance that Jesus our Christ promises, to make the story of Christ’s birth transformational in us and to create in us new life as well.
CALL TO WORSHIP — Rev. Martha Shiverick
One: A child has been born to us,
All: A son given to us;
One: Authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named:
All: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace
One: Glory to God in the highest,
All: And peace to God’s people on earth. Alleluia!
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Anna Rosas
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION — Rev. Martha Shiverick
God, we wish to make room for you this night of all nights:
room in our minds and hearts;
and room for you in our life together.
Let your word be born in us anew
so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, your splendor shines in us
and through us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
THE WORD
SCRIPTURE — Rev. Daniel Morales
-
- Luke 2: 1-7
CAROL
SCRIPTURE — Anna Rosas
-
- Luke 2: 8-14
THE RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Martha Shiverick
God, who knows no boundaries in love, teach us to be examples of your love to others. Where there is sadness and loneliness tonight, let us help others know your close presence in their lives. We pray for those who cannot hear the songs of glory as their own grief or health or losses overwhelm them. Help us to carry their burdens, to lighten their loads, and to help them feel your loving presence now and always.
Where there is despair, let us share the good news of your son. In this economic climate, where creating the material miracle of Christmas is stressful, help us to focus on the true gifts of Christmas.
In this season where family togetherness is stressed, we pray for those who cannot be with their loved ones because of the pandemic. We pray for those who are alone and for those whose family situations are filled with stress. Help us, God, to reach out to others so they might feel your peace and unconditional love.
We praise you, O God, that in the birth of Jesus Christ, you have come to speak your Word of love and life. Touch us with unearthly joy, like the singing of the angels; fill us with wonder, like the eyes of children; teach us to humble ourselves before you, like the worshipping Magi. may our journey to the manger this year be only the beginning of a lifetime of service to Jesus, our
Christ, who also taught us to pray in this manner:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
For the Lord’s Prayer we appreciate the diverse traditions and backgrounds that make up the Riviera family of faith and encourage you to use whatever words for this prayer are meaningful for you.
Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Rev. Martha Shiverick
-
- Luke 2: 15-20
CAROL
CALL TO OFFERING — Rev. Martha Shiverick
Because God so loved the world. God sent the Son into the world. In response to this good news of great joy, we offer you songs of praise, tithes and offerings, and acts of service.
INVITATION TO GIVE TITHES AND OFFERINGS
The Act of Gratitude
-
- You may donate today via credit/debit card by visiting our website at www.rivierachurch.org and clicking on the GIVE button
- You may download the free Give+ app (iOS & Android)
- You may consider setting up online payment via your bank bill pay program.
- You may also mail in your check to the church at Riviera Presbyterian Church at 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami FL 33143
If you are a member of another church, please donate to them during this time
CAROL
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, one and all, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
PRAYER OF DEDICATION — Rev. Missy Shiverick
Great God, as you came to us in the stillness of the night, enter our lives this night. May our gifts overcome darkness with the light of Christ’s presence in our world. We bring to you ourselves, our offerings, and the gifts you fill us with this night. May the knowledge of your presence illuminate the paths we walk, the words we speak, and the lives we live. Use all that we have and all that we are to ease the heavy burdens of others and bring about your peace.
Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE — Anna Rosas, Rev. Daniel Morales, Rev. Martha Shiverick
| Anna: | This evening the Christ Candle is lit.
With the lighting of this candle the wreath is complete. The candle sits in the center of the wreath, and it is representative of the good news that Christ is the center of our lives. The color of the candle is white which represents the purity of Christ. |
| Missy: | There is good news of great joy for all!
The Messiah, our Savior is born. We light this candle as a sign of the Light of Christ. As the night sky was filled with light the message came… To you is born this day, A savior who is the Messiah. Glory to God in the highest heaven, And on earth peace among those whom God favors! (Luke 2:10, 14) |
| Danny: | Let us pray:
Great God, as you came at night when all was still, so enter our lives this night. You alone are our center and bright glory. Illumine our paths with the light of Christ’s presence, That we may clearly see the way, the truth, And the life of Jesus our Christ, Who lives and reigns with you In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. |
CAROL
Hymn #122: “Silent Night, Holy Night” (first three verses)
-
- 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 “Alleluia:
Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born!” - 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.
- Silent night, holy night!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
| Danny: | Gabriel foretold it. |
| Anna: | The angels heralded it. |
| Missy: | The shepherds came to see it for themselves. |
| Danny: | And it is true. God is with us through Jesus Christ, the babe of Bethlehem and our resurrected Lord. |
| Anna: | The world will never be the same; we ourselves will never be the same. |
| Missy: | Go then and tell the world – Jesus Christ is born! |
POSTLUDE
AFTER THE SERVICE PLEASE JOIN US FOR HOLY GROUNDS ON ZOOM AT 7:00 PM
We welcome the Rev. Daniel Morales and the members of New Covenant Presbyterian Church who are joining us this evening for worship.
Thanks to James Ready, for his trumpet performance tonight. Jim is the principal trumpet for the UNAM orchestra in Mexico City.
Thank you for connecting and worshipping this evening with us. Please take a moment fill out the Friendship Form on our website and share any prayer requests or joys which will be sent to our pastoral care team. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send us an email at rivierachurch@gmail.com.
Next:
-
- Every Sunday: Adult Bible Study Class 10:00 am – 10:30 am. This is a great opportunity to study Sunday’s sermon passage with Pastor Missy. Meeting 860-148-3445 / Password: 2708
- Sunday December 27, 2020: Special Worship with More Light Presbyterians featuring guest sermon by Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt
- Sunday January 3, 2021: Epiphany Worship with Sacrament of Communion.
MUSIC LICENSE AND CREDITS
Video and audio was recorded by various members of the church’s staff and church family for the purpose of providing online worship to the members of Riviera Presbyterian and others who view the link.
Reprinted/streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE#A-713957. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT © 2020 RIVIERA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MIAMI FLA. 33143
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Public Domain
- O Come, All Ye Faithful – Public Domain
- The First Nowell – Public Domain
- Joy To The World – Public Domain
- What Child Is This- Public Domain
- Silent Night, Holy Night – Public Domain
- O Holy Night – Public Domain
