Christmas Eve Candle light reading: [After lighting all candles] Joy to the world, the Lord is come! We light the Christ candle because Jesus, the light of the world, was born on Christmas day, and he brightens all things. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!

Beautiful on the Mountains Isaiah 52: 7-10

Beautiful on the Mountains Isaiah 52: 7-10 Imagine yourself in the scene: War torn land, watching on the tower for news from battle. Much is at stake, your safety, freedom, life… Then you see a cloud of dust on the mountain! THEN you see the ‘good news’ signal! Hooray! The message (and messenger) is BEAUTIFUL! Shout of triumph/joy: “We are saved! We win!” Peace! Rejoice and be glad! Your God Reigns! Arm of the Lord is judgment and power, ‘bare’ is for all to see – eye to eye up close, personal. Shepherds ‘eye to eye’ with the King of Kings! “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4

Beautiful on the Mountains Isaiah 52: 7-10 What great love the Father has for us! Touching story of seeing is the priest Simeon. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2: 28-32 Anna:“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” v.38 Beautiful on the mountain also refers to God! Can you see and hear Good tidings of peace?

Beautiful on the Mountains Isaiah 52: 7-10 Do you proclaim salvation, tell the world “Your God reigns!” The news is good for the hearers, not “I’m going on a trip!”, but “YOU’RE going!” Do we fear the battles that rage? Christmas message: Word of God is good news! What is “new” about the good news? The victory is won! Soon you’ll see for yourself! Like my friend, bet on delayed broadcast of game – he knew the outcome! We know the victory is won, bet your life on it! “Don’t be afraid!” Why? “Our God Reigns!”

Silent Night (Stille Nacht) CCLI Song # 27862 Franz Xaver Gruber | John Freeman Young | Joseph Mohr © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 405491

Silent Night v.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 v.2 Silent night holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heav'nly hosts sing alleluia Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born

Silent Night v.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

Silent Night v.4 Silent night holy night Wondrous star lend thy light With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born