This Christmas Eve, First Congregational Church of Indy and The Garden come together to celebrate the joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth in this shared service at 7 p.m. We are delighted to join voices and hearts for this special evening.
The service will weave together gifts of both congregations—music, prayer, readings, and storytelling—in a spirit of unity and welcome.
Whether you are part of FCIndy or The Garden, or simply seeking a place to experience the wonder of Christmas, we welcome you as we celebrate the light that shines in the darkness and the hope that brings us together.
CHRISTMAS EVE 2025 ORDER OF SERVICE:
Prelude: “Angels We Have Heard on High”
Welcome
Rev. Richard Brendan, Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund
& Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes
Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Reading: Isaiah 9:1-3, 6-7 | The Prophecy
Scott Semester
“But there will be no more gloom for the land that was in anguish! In the past God humbled the land of Zebulun, the land of Naphtali, but in the future God will bring glory to his Road to the Sea, this Land beyond the Jordan, this Galilee of the Nations. The people walking in darkness are seeing a brilliant light—upon those who dwell in a land of deep shadows light is shining! God, you have made the nation greater—you have brought them abundant joy! For a child is born to us, an heir is given us, upon whose shoulders dominion will rest. This One shall be called, “Wonderful Counselor, the Strength of God, Eternal Protector, Champion of Peace. This dominion, and this peace, will grow, without end, with David’s throne and realm sustained with justice and fairness, now and forever.
Message Part 1
Rev. Richard
Song: “Away in a Manger”
Reading: Luke 2:1-7 The Journey and Birth
Sean Baker
In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. The first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syeria. All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the “city of David”—Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house of and lineage of David; he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her delivery. She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid in in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.
Message Part 2
Rev. Dr. Carolyn
Prayer
Rev. Dr. Carolyn & Rev. Dr. Sarah
Offering “Gesù Bambino” - Martens, Yon
Sean Baker
Reading: Luke 2:8-14 The Announcement
Carter Lund
There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. The angels of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in David’s city, a savior—the Messiah—has been born to you. Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, there was a multitude of heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”
Message Part 3
Rev. Dr. Sarah
Candle Lighting
As we light our candles, use caution, turning unlit
candle sideways and holding lit candle upright.
Battery candles available.
Song: “Silent Night”
Closing Prayer
Rev. Dr. Sarah
Benediction
Rev. Dr. Carolyn and Rev. Dr.Sarah & Rev. Richard
Postlude: “Joy to the World”
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Participating in Today’s Service:
Jesse Wittman - Bass
Mike Kessler - Drums
Sean Baker and Doran Nash - Piano
Michael Clark - Guitar
Scott Carroll - Sound engineer
Ben James - Tech engineer
Arcy Clark - Tech engineer
