Watchword for Christmas Day
The Son reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is
the exact likeness of God’s own being, sustaining the
universe with his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2014)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(based on Psalm 98)
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
He has shown the whole world that he frees
his people. They see his words are true.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
The harp’s music rings; each string calls his
name. The trumpet and horn resound.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
The earth and the seas and the rivers all
sing. The mountains erupt with joy.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
The Lord has come to all people and lands:
a fair and righteous judge.
Hymn 320 * Joy to the world
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
PRAYER of APPROACH
Lord Jesus, you are the light there in the
beginning, bringing all things to life, and
giving knowledge and wisdom to all people.
You are our light,
may the darkness never overcome you.
Lord Jesus, you are the light coming into the
world, looking for those who believe, who are
ready to be changed into children of God.
You are our light,
may the darkness never overcome you.
Lord Jesus, you are the light coming to us, and
we receive you with open, trembling hands,
wondering at your grace, marvelling at your
glory. You are our light,
may the darkness never overcome you.
Hymn 543 Christ be our light!
WORDS of ASSURANCE
(From Isaiah 9 and John 1)
The people who walked in darkness have seen
a great light. They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them. The light shines
in the darkness, and the darkness has never put
it out. Thanks be to God. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 52:7-10 OT p. 718 (719)
St. John 1:1-14 NT p. 116
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God: Thanks be to God!
Hymn 313 See! In yonder manger low
SERMON Rev. James Brown
Hymn 316 * Love came down at Christmas
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
AFFIRMATION of FAITH
You are the new song.
You are the next beat in my heart.
You are praise and possibility.
You are the present and the future.
I believe the Light of the World
has come on this day.
I see it now in all days.
Those gone and those to come
are aflame in love.
Your love wrapped in human form,
your love learned in justice and mercy,
your love risen over death.
I believe love has come on this day.
I believe love has and will always come.
Amen.
INSTITUTION and THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you, and also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…we proclaim your greatness and sing your
praise in the angels’ song:
Hymn 324 * 1+5 Angels from the realms…
… we offer and present to you our very selves,
to be a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for your
acceptance; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through him, with him, in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, almighty
Father, now and forever. Amen.
PRAYERS for OTHERS
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
BREAKING of BREAD
Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world: grant us peace.
COMMUNION (please come forward to share)
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
THANKSGIVING PRAYER
Hymn 294 * On Christmas night
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
ORGAN POSTLUDE
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