Worship Information
The Christmas Eve Worship Service is this afternoon at 4 pm. This worship service will include Holy Communion and candlelight. Join us in-person or via Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsdavenport/). The service will later be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@allsaintslutheranchurchdav1987).
Worship at All Saints might look and feel a little different. We carefully and prayerfully select a worship theme each season, and we choose songs and liturgical elements that help communicate that theme and bring us closer to God and to one another.
All Saints Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and participates in the Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM) program offered by the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Bishop Amy Current has authorized Wanda Barber, Matthew Reece, and Julie Schoville to be Synod Authorized Ministers able to preside over all worship services and offer pastoral care. The Synod provides training and instruction throughout the year and fully supports this program.
If you would like the spoken words for the worship services, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.
Introduction
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.
Scripture
Isaiah 9:2-7 Light shines: a child is born for us
This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!
Psalm 96
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. (Ps. 96:11)
Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared
The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] God with us
God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of 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 out Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Christmas Theme
Awake and alive: The Light is here!
Theme Write-up
written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries
The worship theme “Awake and alive: The Light Is here!” celebrates the fulfillment of Advent’s promise: the arrival of Christ, the true Light who has come into the world. No longer are we merely watching and waiting; now we stand in the radiance of God’s redeeming presence made flesh in Jesus. This theme proclaims that the long-expected Light has dawned, illuminating our lives and transforming our hearts. Through word, song, and sacrament, the congregation is invited to rejoice in the nearness of God and to see the world anew through the lens of divine love made visible in the Christ child.
To be awake and alive is to live as people renewed by that Light: to let its warmth and truth shape how we see, speak, and serve. The Light of Christ calls us out of fear and complacency into the joy and courage of discipleship. As this theme unfolds through the Christmas and Epiphany seasons, the congregation is sent forth as bearers of the Light, reflecting Christ’s presence in acts of compassion, justice, and mercy. “Awake and alive: The Light Is here!” reminds us that God’s incarnation is not a past event but a present and ongoing reality: Christ among us, transforming our darkness into dawn.