December 25th Christmas Day
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Christmas Day Morning Service Welcome Lighting the Advent Candle One candle to remind us of the Patriarchs, the second for the Prophets, the third for John the Baptist and the fourth for Mary. Now the centre candle for Jesus, born today. He is the Light of the World. (Light the candles) Mary gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. All Loving God, we thank you for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. May we always welcome him into our homes and into our lives. Amen O Lord, open our lips You laid the foundation of the earth Blessed are you, sovereign God,
A Song of the Bride I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, • Who has clothed me with the garments of salvation, • As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, • For as the earth puts forth her blossom, • So shall God make righteousness and praise • For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, • Until her deliverance shines out like the dawn, • The nations shall see your deliverance, • Then you shall be called by a new name • You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, • Isaiah 61.10,11; 62.1-3 All Glory to the Father and to the Son The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; Silence is kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
Luke 2:1-20 The MessageThe Birth of Jesus2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. 6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. An Event for Everyone8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David’s town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, 15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. 19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! Reflection from the Vicarage
All To us a child is born, The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; • You have increased their joy and given them great gladness; • For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them; • For to us a child is born and to us a son is given, • And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsellor; Of the increase of his government and of peace • Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, • From this time forth and for evermore; • Isaiah 9.2, 3b, 4a, 6, 7 Glory to the Father and to the Son To us a child is born, Silence Intercessions The Collect Lord Jesus Christ Your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth: accept our hear felt praise as we worship you, our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen Almighty God, Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, All Our Father in heaven, May God, who has called us out of darkness Let us bless the Lord. I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown”; and he replied, “Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light, and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night. He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone east. So heart, be still! What need our human life to know if God hath comprehension? In all the dizzy strife of things, both high and low, God hideth his intention. God knows. His will is best. The stretch of years which wind ahead, so dim to our imperfect vision, are clear to God. Our fears are premature. In Him all time hath full provision. Then rest; until God moves to lift the veil from our impatient eyes, when, as the sweeter features of life’s stern face we hail, fair beyond all surmise, God’s thought around His creatures our minds shall fill. Minnie Haskins (1875-1957)
May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favour, and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26 The Living Bible
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