Watchword for the Week
Paul wrote: But when the fullness of time had come,
God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the
law, in order to redeem those who were under the
law, so that we might receive adoption as children.
(Galatians 4:4-5)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2017)
ORGAN PRELUDE
SOLO “Halleluia”
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(Verses from Psalm 90)
Lord God, you have been our
dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or
ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
A thousand ages in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past
or like a watch in the night.
All our days pass away under your watch;
our years come to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are three-score and ten
or by reason of strength four-score.
Yet their span is but toil and trouble;
life is soon over and we are gone.
So teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Hymn 161 * O God, our help in ages past
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
PRAYER of APPROACH
O God, our help in ages past –
We give thanks, O God, that you have been with
us through all our lives, through the life of our
world, in good times and bad.
We give thanks that, in the fullness of time,
you have come to us in Jesus, whose birth
we celebrate at Christmas.
We give thanks that we have shared together
these past weeks with family, friends,
and as a church.
Our hope for years to come –
We give thanks, O God, for leading us to create
new life for ourselves, our families, and our world.
We give thanks, O God, that you give each
one of us abilities, possibilities, and goals
for developing our lives.
We also pray for concern and hope for the
needs and challenges of our world.
Be thou our guard while troubles last –
We give thanks, O God, that your love has been
present in times of difficulty, sorrow and suffering.
We have been strengthened by the love
and care of others, as we seek to support
others in need.
You, O God, bring us comfort, strength, and
grace, to guide us through difficult times.
And our eternal home –
We give thanks, O God, for all those
who have gone before us, witnessing
to your love, justice, and peace.
May we live lives worthy of your calling
and know that we share in your realm
that has no end.
ASSURANCE of FORGIVENESS
God creates everything and calls it good. But
often we are timid, afraid, and turn away from
God. In the fullness of time, God sent his Son,
Jesus, to redeem us. Be assured of God’s
forgiveness, love, and grace!
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME “Getting and Giving”
SOLO “Little Drummer Boy”
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
(Children may join the Kids’ Church programme)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 11:1-6 OT p. 680 (679)
St. Luke 2:22-40 NT p. 76
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God: Thanks be to God!
Hymn 305 1+2+5 * In the bleak mid-winter
SERMON Rev. Dr. Robert Haworth
Hymn 241 * Isaiah the prophet has written
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
DEDICATION PRAYER (in unison)
Living God, you hold nothing back from us.
Today we thank you for your gift of Jesus.
You also lavish good gifts on us, which we
so often take for granted. In giving our gifts
to you and your Church, help us to count our
blessings and be good stewards of all you
entrust to us. May we live to your glory!
Amen.
SOLO “Lord of the Dance” (Hymn 404)
ANNOUNCEMENTS See Notices overleaf
PRAYERS for OTHERS
Response: Lord of our lives:
Hear our prayers.
The LORD’S PRAYER
(Please pray in your own preferred language / version.)
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, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn 303 * It came upon the midnight clear
(Tune: Carol – PH 129)
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
ORGAN POSTLUDE
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