Beloved community,
On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. And in the familiar account of Christ’s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” Amid our broken world we proclaim that the Prince of Peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh—in Christ’s body and blood—so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world.
Friends in Christ, you are invited into the celebration of ‘virtual worship’ on Christmas Eve, and in this season of our 2020 pandemic we are pleased to offer two versions of the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – the links are below. The traditional version is much like the candlelight service we annually gather to offer in the Trinity sanctuary, and a second version offers carols in a contemporary praise song format, a Rejoice Christmas Eve service. Both versions are live so that you can schedule your Christmas Eve worship celebration at any time – in addition to the links below, they are accessible on Trinity’s YouTube channel.
Attached below is the link to the traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:
Click here: https://youtu.be/ms071SdEkEQ
Attached below is the link to the Rejoice Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:
Click here: https://youtu.be/8kxB1Vt8hpg
We have also created a document that provides the lessons and prayers for Christmas Eve worship. Attached below is the PDF of the Christmas Eve Worship Resources:
Click here: Christmas Eve Worship Resources
I have the privilege of welcoming you on Wednesday of the fourth week of Advent to participate in our final Advent Vespers service, the service of Holden Evening Prayer.
To view the 27-minute video worship service for this fourth week of Advent, click here: https://youtu.be/yZ_9YIhPFuo.
To access the worship bulletin for your participation in this Advent Vespers service, click here: Advent Vespers Virtual Service.
We are privileged to be hosted by Pastor Dan Schewe, Pastor Galen Knutson and musicians Deb and Bill DeWitt and Kate Bredwell for this final midweek Advent worship service. I also extend my thanks to Bryan Bredwell who crafted this beautiful video service for our devotional life together.
For those who are night owls, one more opportunity: you are invited this evening to join the Lutheran community of the Northwest Washington Synod for a “European Christmas” with Rick Steves. This evening at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, we are invited to join Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod and travel host Rick Steves as he shares his “European Christmas” PBS special, a non-commercial and traditional hour with sacred traditions from throughout Europe. Rick will share behind-the-scenes commentary and finish with a live Q&A after the show. This program will be held in a webinar format this evening at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Learn More and Register.
Finally, this Friday we will not be sending out our weekly eBlast mini newsletter (a blessed Christmas friends!), so attached below are the Worship Resources for Sunday, December 27:
Click here: Dec. 27th Worship Resources
May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life.
Amen.
May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength.
Amen.
May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world.
Amen.
And the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the ✠ Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always.
Amen.
Benediction for Christmas Eve
Blessings to you, O people of Trinity, and may you know the joy and wonder of Christmas as we bid farewell to the long year 2020. May you be safe, may you be well, and may you be held in love.
It remains a privilege to serve as one of your pastors.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robert Linstrom