The following is the layout for the Christmas Eve Service at Larue Baptist Church. I invite you to ponder and remember always the worship that is due to God, who sent His son that died for a wicked people who do not worship Him as they ought bringing about a pure worship to those who willingly bow their knee and worship Jesus Christ.

Order of Worship: The Coming of the King

Christmas Service

I. The Call to the Weary

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28–30 & Matthew 9:12–13

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Hymn of Invitation: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

This hymn establishes the reason for the Incarnation.Confession regarding human inability; we are “weak and wounded, sick and sore,” and unable to heal ourselves. It sets the stage that Christmas is a rescue mission for the helpless.

Prayer of Confession and Need

A prayer acknowledging that without the intervention of God in history through the sending of His Son, we would remain dead in our trespasses and sins.

II. The Prophetic Announcement

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Hymn of Expectation: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

III. The Doctrine of the Incarnation

Scripture Reading: John 1:1–5, 14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Hymn of Theology: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

This serves as the theological anchor of the service. The doctrine of the Hypostatic Union.

Pastoral Prayer of Adoration

A prayer of thanksgiving for the mystery of the Trinity and the willingness of the Son to take upon Himself the form of a servant for our salvation.

IV. The Arrival and The Cross

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1–7

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Hymn of Humiliation: What Child Is This?

This song moves us from the cosmic theology of John 1 to the dusty reality of Luke 2. The second verse connects the Cradle immediately to the Cross: “Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you.” This prevents a sentimental view of Christmas and keeps the focus on the Atonement.

V. The Proclamation to the World

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8–14

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'”

Hymn of Announcement: Angels We Have Heard on High

It signifies the Gospel going out from the manger to the shepherds, and eventually to the nations.

VI. The Exaltation of the King

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9–11 & Psalm 98:4–9

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name… Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”

Hymn of Coronation: Joy to the World!

We conclude not just with the baby, but with the ruling Sovereign. It celebrates Christ’s rule over the curse (“No more let sins and sorrows grow”) and His dominion over the nations. It is a triumphant finish that looks forward to His Second Coming as much as it celebrates His First.

Benediction

Hebrews 13:20–21