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6:45 p.m.    Festive Prelude
7:00 p.m.    The Angels’ Mass

10:15 p.m.    Festive Prelude
10:30 p.m.    The Shepherds’ Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25
10:00 a.m.   The Christ Mass

A traditional German Christmas service. The entire service will be conducted in German. The Rev. Horst H. Bandle, a native of Germany and pastor-in-residence at First Lutheran Church, will lead worship and preach. The Teutonia Mannerchor, the Pittsburgh Posuanenchor and Andre Bierman, Tenor, will provide special music.

The first of our evening liturgies on Christmas Eve is especially for children and families. At 6:45 PM an expanded Festive Prelude of Christmas music will prepare us to worship at the manger. The prelude will feature strings, handbells, and organ. Our candlelight celebration of the Holy Eucharist (The Angels’ Mass) will begin at 7:00 PM. The liturgy will be enriched by the music of our Cantate Choir, Gloria Dei Ringers, and Bel Canto. The beautiful tradition of Christmas Eve worship will again come to life.

A Festive Prelude for organ, strings, and choir at 10:15 PM will prepare worshippers for our most glorious Christmas Eve liturgy. Our celebration of the Holy Eucharist (The Shepherds’ Mass) begins at 10:30 PM. It will be a traditional “late” candlelight liturgy. Our Parish Choir will enrich the liturgy with major choral works. A string trio will also be featured along with our majestic Casavant Organ. This liturgy, celebrated in the quiet of night in the heart of the city, is very special. It will bring you reverent and solemn joy as you make your way home in deep darkness, enlightened by the light of Christ.

Worship on Christmas morning is an important element of our Christmas tradition at First Church. Many members express deep gratitude and find particular joy in gathering to welcome the Christ Child into our midst in the new light of Christmas morning. As is our custom, there will be a solemn high celebration (with the use of incense) of the Holy Eucharist (The Christ Mass) at 10:00 AM on Christmas Day. Weather permitting, the liturgy will conclude with a Procession to the Crèche in the US Steel Plaza for Devotion at the Manger. The time of the service allows ample opportunity for dinner preparations at home. This is a unique service in the liturgical life of our parish with a unique beauty.