THE NIGHT BEFORE

Comprised of two compelling services plus a pair of delightful children's messages, this complete set of Christmas Eve resources provides everything you need to create a special worship experience that your congregation will remember long after the holiday decorations have been stored away.

A Christmas Gift contemplates Christmas Eve's mixture of madness and magic through a creative weaving together of carols, prayers, scripture readings, and several brief meditations. By highlighting some of the diverse moments, memories, and traditions that contribute to the gift of Christmas, this worship service evokes the powerful mystery and miracle of the nativity.

O Come, Emmanuel is a moving candlelight service which utilizes the ancient antiphons of Advent to explore the longing behind our search for the Messiah. As the service unfolds, the singing and reading of each antiphon leads worshipers to reflect on the hopes and desires that bring us to Bethlehem, culminating in the joyful announcement that God has come among us. The service employs two readers and a solo quartet, along with congregational singing of several traditional hymns. An original choral arrangement of the Christmas antiphon is included.

Two inspiring messages for the "children's moment" are also included. Featuring an interactive, conversational style that involves young people, these lessons can be used with either service or separately. One message helps children think about where Jesus might be in their town or neighborhood if he were born today, while the other celebrates how Christ's birth draws us all together.

Rod Tkach is the pastor of Faith United Methodist Church in Williston, North Dakota. He is a graduate of Jamestown College, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jeffrey Whitman is the senior pastor of Colonial Park United Church of Christ in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and Lancaster Seminary.

Wesley T. Runk is the author of more than 30 books of children's object lessons, including The Giant Book Of Children's Sermons -- Matthew To Revelation (CSS). A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology, Runk is an ordained Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pastor who has served numerous Ohio congregations.