Christmas at St. Matt's

Come, let us welcome
the new-born King!

Christmas flyer to view, download or print [here]

Resources and materials for Christmas are [here]
St. Matt's Christmas Worship schedule and details below [here]

Principal Themes

• God's presence in human life
• God's love for all of creation
• Paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death and resurrection

Color of the Season

White, a color associated with the festivals of Christ and suggesting gladness, joy and light

Thought-provoking video to view
"The Advent Conspiracy" is available for viewing online [here]

Consider "good gifts" this Christmas
ELCA Good Gifts, the giving catalog of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lifts up more than 65 gift ideas filled with meaning and love. ELCA Good Gifts are a special way you can help make a significant impact on the mission and ministries of our church while giving a gift to a friend, pastor, teacher, neighbor or other loved one [more information].

Celebrate the Joy with ChristmasWorship at St. Matthew’s
Come and celebrate Christmas at St. Matthew’s. Each service has its own feeling and expression of rejoicing in the birth of our Savior. There are four opportunities for Christmas worship:

Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m. Children and Family Service
This service includes the sights and sounds of Christmas (including the sounds of many children) with carols, readings, children’s choir and messages, a sermon and children’s participation.

7:00 p.m. Festive Service of Holy Communion
A special liturgy, handbell music, children’s choir, a St. Matthew’s orchestra and communion. (Note: Fifteen minutes of prelude Christmas music begins at 6:45 p.m.)

10:00 p.m. Festive Service of Holy Communion
Similar to the 7:00 p.m. service with music by the Senior Choir, and a small St. Matthew’s orchestra. (Prelude musical selections begin at 9:45 p.m.)

Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve - December 24, 2010

• Isaiah 9:2-7
• Psalm 96 (11)
• Titus 2:11-14
• Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
  

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Christmas Day

10:00 a.m. Christmas Day service
A quiet reflective service is offered on Christmas Day with the text being John 1:1... the order follows the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Book and communion is celebrated. Traditional hymns are sung throughout the service.

Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day - December 25, 2010

• Isaiah 52:7-10
• Psalm 98 (3)
• Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]
• John 1:1-14
  

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you gave us your only Son to take on our human nature and to illumine the world with your light. By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Photos of 2010 Christmas Pageant

The photos below were taken at the Christmas Pageant and Dress Rehearsal 2010. (The pageant is presented in alternating years.) Click photo to enlarge.

A complete Photo Album of the 2010 Pageant (including Dress Rehearsal and all performances) is online [here].