MOBILE-FRIENDLY BULLETIN
Welcome
Invocation
Lighting of the Christ Candle
“Angels We Have Heard on High"
Confession and Absolution
Lesson Isaiah 9:2,6-7
“Hark The Herald Angels Sing”
Lesson Luke 2:1-7
“Behold"
Lesson Luke 2:8-14
“Joyful, Joyful”
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
Lesson Luke 2:15-20
“O Holy Night”
Lesson John 1:1-5, 14, 16-17
Children's Message
Message Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Apostles' Creed
Prayers/ The Lord’s Prayer
“Noel”
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Communion Prayer
Words of Institution
“The First Noel”
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“Away in a Manger”
“O Come O Come Emmanuel”
Dismissal
Benediction
Christmas Medley
Preacher: Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Director of Contemporary Worship: Stephan Nosrat
Thanks for joining us today!
December 24, 2025
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Thursday, December 25, 2025
Traditional, Contemporary, Candlelight, WORSHIP. We hope that you will join us at one of our Christmas services as we celebrate the birth of JESUS. Christmas 2025 at St. John's - Located in the...
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Grab coffee and a donut, grow in God's Word, and connect with your church...
Sunday, December 28, 2025, 6:30 PM
No 6:30pm Worship Service - holiday schedule
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 7:00 PM
A Special Worship Service as we anticipate the new year.
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:30 AM
ONE 10:30am Service Worship TOGETHER - After the service: Community, Food, & Fun... enjoy; lunch together, bounce houses, popcorn, games & more...
Every Sunday, from 01/25/2026 to 03/22/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!
Monday, January 26, 2026, 5:30 PM
A Leadership Event Series for Women - With three dynamic and accomplished speakers you’ll be inspired, energized and better equipped to be the leader He wants you to be.
Sunday, February 01, 2026, 11:45 AM
Get equipped to help us share Christ with our homebound congregation members through phone calls and in-person visits.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
One donation can save 3 lives. Please register online before the event.
Pre-Service Music
Christmas Medley
"Come and See the Shining Star" arr. Alex Guebert
"Gentle Mary Laid Her Child" Kevin McChesney
"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
“Sing We Now of Christmas"
Jubilate Choir and Cathedral Bells
“Forest Green” arr. Christian Guebert
Strings
Welcome Pastor Tim Klinkenberg
Ringing of the Bell
Processional Hymn Medley
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” (LSB 367)
verses 1 and 2
Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story,
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Refrain:
Come and worship, come and worship;
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Shepherds in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing,
Yonder shines the Infant Light. refrain
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (LSB 379)
verses 1, 3 and 4
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the king of angels:
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
In the highest: refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory giv’n!
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing! refrain
Invocation and Confession of Sins
Liturgist: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Liturgist: Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
People: O come, let us worship Him!
Liturgist: As we worship the Christ Child, let us confess our sins together:
People: We come to You, dear Lord Jesus, and ask You to forgive our sins. Fill us with love toward one another and move our hearts to share the love that You have given us. Amen.
Absolution
Liturgist: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a fellow servant of Christ, I therefore announce to you the forgiveness of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
The Song of the Angels
Liturgist: With the angels we worship and praise the Christ Child and say:
People: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
All Sing:
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain:
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. refrain
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NIV
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Epistle Reading Titus 2:11-14 NIV
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Processional
"Joy to the World" arr. Austin Ralphson
String quartet
The Christmas Gospel Luke 2:1-20 NIV
Liturgist: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Liturgist: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Hymn of the Day “Glory to God the Angels Sing”
This hymn has been sung at St. John’s since the 1930’s.
Low in a humble manger little Lord Jesus lay,
Watched by the virgin mother, there on a bed of hay.
Keeping her loving vigil far from the worldly throngs,
When through the night came ringing glorious angel songs.
Refrain:
“Glory to God” the angels sing: Praises to Christ the newborn King;
“Peace be on earth, good will to men,” Hear we the angels sing again!
“Glory to God” the angels sing: Praises to Christ the newborn King;
“Peace be on earth, good will to men, Good will to men.”
Little the loving mother dreamed of its meaning then,
How He should die on Calv’ry, die for the sins of men.
Down through the weary ages, out from that manger bed
Streams all the light from heaven, soon o’er the world to spread. (refrain x2)
Message Pastor Tim Klinkenberg
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession and Offering
Liturgist: Rejoicing in the birth of Immanuel, our Savior Jesus, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all in need.
Let us pray for those who are sick, that they may experience healing and refreshment.
Let us pray for those who are dying, that they may find peace and comfort in the Lord's compassion and mercy.
Let us pray for all who mourn, that they may be comforted by the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
All: Hear our prayer, O Lord.
All sing:
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Liturgist: Let us pray for the Church that, blessed with the gifts of God's Word, Baptism, and
Holy Communion, we may grow in our love for one another and thereby bless the world.
All: Hear our prayer, O Lord.
All sing:
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the king,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Liturgist: In the birth of our Savior, Jesus, Your love abides with us, O Lord. We entrust all for whom we pray to You, in the confidence of Your abiding love, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Gathering of Our Tithes and Offerings
Music at the Offering “Ding Dong Merrily on High" arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
Cathedral Bells
Communion Liturgy
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Pastor: We give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, for sending Your Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Tonight, we join with Christians around the world, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, in singing their unending hymn:
All sing:
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th`angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. refrain
The Lord's Prayer
Pastor: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
People: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
The Words of Our Lord
Pastor: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Pastor: Come and receive the gifts of God for the people of God.
People: Amen.
Communion Song “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (LSB 361)
verses 1 and 4
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!
Music During the Distribution “Silent Night, Holy Night” (LSB 363)
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,
Heav’nly 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.
"Candlelight Carol" John Rutter
Jubilate Choir
Dismissal
Benediction
Benediction
Pastor: As we leave God’s house tonight, we receive His blessing.
People: May the blessing of God go with us as we joyously celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, into our world.
Pastor: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,
the obedience of Joseph,
the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the determination of the magi,
and the peace of the Christ Child.
And may Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
People: Amen.
Recessional Hymn “Joy to the World” (LSB 387)
verses 1, 2 and 4
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Postlude Fugue on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" arr. Andrew Tessman
Charles Raasch, organ
Worship Service Participants
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Klinkenberg
Liturgist: Vicar Micah Raebel
Organ: Charles Raasch
Choir: Jubilate Choir
Choir Director: Alex Guebert
Handbell Choir: Cathedral Bells
Handbell Director: Alex Guebert
Piano: Dr. Rachel Ehring
Audio/Visual: Matthew Todd, Mark Todd, and Hector Cerda
Thanks for joining us today!
December 24, 2025
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Thursday, December 25, 2025
Traditional, Contemporary, Candlelight, WORSHIP. We hope that you will join us at one of our Christmas services as we celebrate the birth of JESUS. Christmas 2025 at St. John's - Located in the...
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Grab coffee and a donut, grow in God's Word, and connect with your church...
Sunday, December 28, 2025, 6:30 PM
No 6:30pm Worship Service - holiday schedule
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 7:00 PM
A Special Worship Service as we anticipate the new year.
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:30 AM
ONE 10:30am Service Worship TOGETHER - After the service: Community, Food, & Fun... enjoy; lunch together, bounce houses, popcorn, games & more...
Every Sunday, from 01/25/2026 to 03/22/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!
Monday, January 26, 2026, 5:30 PM
A Leadership Event Series for Women - With three dynamic and accomplished speakers you’ll be inspired, energized and better equipped to be the leader He wants you to be.
Sunday, February 01, 2026, 11:45 AM
Get equipped to help us share Christ with our homebound congregation members through phone calls and in-person visits.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
One donation can save 3 lives. Please register online before the event.