ORGAN PRELUDE

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP

(Luke 1:46-54, Mary’s Song of Praise)

My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for he has remembered me, his lowly servant.

From now on, all people will call me happy, because of the great things the Mighty One has done for me. His name is holy; from one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honour him.

He has stretched out his mighty arm and scattered the proud with their plans. He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors; and he has come to the help of his servant Israel.

Hymn 281 * People, look East

People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)

(Four Advent candles are carried into church lit)

OPENING PRAYERS

Because God chose not a palace but a tent: We bear witness to the light.

Because God chose to be one of us, not apart from us: We bear witness to the light.

Because God chose the margins, not the centre: We bear witness to the light.

Because a woman said yes when she could have said no: We bear witness to the light, for nothing is impossible for God. Heavenly Father, you chose Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. Fill us with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your will, and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

WORDS of ASSURANCE

God says: “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” Thanks be to God. Amen.

SHARING GOD’S PEACE

Hymn 359 * He came down…

(Those who wish may put on costumes for the Pageant)

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Christmas Pageants / Nativity Play are about bringing the words of Scripture to life, an idea first realised in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi.

You are invited to help Scripture come alive by taking an active (acting) part in today’s Pageant – or to reflect on the texts that are read and/or listed in your worship sheet.

The Promise Luke 1:26-38

(New Testament, page 73)

Hymn 286 * Tell out, my soul

(Mary and Joseph move forward to the front steps)

The Birth Luke 2:1-7

(New Testament, page 75)

Hymn 316 * Love came down at Christmas

(Mary and Joseph go to the manger with Baby Jesus)

The Shepherds Luke 2:8-12

(New Testament, page 75)

Hymn 296 verse 1-4 While humble shepherds

(Shepherds and sheep come forward to the manger)

The Angels Luke 2:13-19

(New Testament, page 75)

Hymn 301 * Hark! The herald angels sing

(Angels enter singing and gather at the manger)

The Seekers Matthew 2:1-11

(New Testament, page 4)

Hymn 323 * The first Nowell

(Wise Men – and Women – gather the offerings

and lay them in the manger)

DEDICATION PRAYER

Bless the gifts we bring today, that they may be a blessing to you and, in the giving, a blessing to us: that even through us, something of your transforming hope is shown and known, for the sake of the world. Amen.

ECC Choir “Come and join the celebration”

All are invited forward to gather round the manger

NOTICES and PRAYERS for OTHERS

Response: Hear our prayer,

and make us part of the answer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn 516 * We are marching / Siyahamb’

BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)

ORGAN POSTLUDE