Tag: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve: 24 Dec – “For unto us is born a Savior – Christ the Lord!”

Christmas Eve

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father: Prepare our hearts to enter into the joy and wonder of Christmas. Shine your Light into our darkness; and remind us of those Christ Jesus came to seek and save – the poor and helpless… the cold and hungry… the sick and those who mourn… the lonely and unloved… the persecuted and oppressed… and all lost souls everywhere. Make us a Light to the nations, that we may bring the Good News of peace and goodwill through Christ Jesus our Lord into every corner of the whole world. All to your honor and glory. Amen.
__________

“Once in Royal David’s City” – King’s College Cambridge 2010


__________

Isaiah 9:2–7 (NLT)

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” – Enya

Micah 5:2-4 (NLT)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.

“When Love Came Down to Earth” – Kristyn Getty, Margaret Becker, Joanne Hogg

Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

“Joseph’s Song” – Gabe Hughes

Luke 2:8–16 (NLT)

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – Sissel Kyrkjebø

John 1:1-5, 10-14 (NLT)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it….

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
__________

“Joy to the World” – Northern Ireland Flashmob


__________

Blessing

Through the incarnation of His Son God has scattered the darkness of the world, and by Christ’s glorious birth, which angels announced to the shepherds, has brightened this most holy night. May the God of infinite goodness banish the darkness of sin from our hearts and make them radiant with the light of His goodness.
__________

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Christmas Eve: Sat, 24 Dec – Isaiah 9:1-7; Luke 2:1-14 ~ Glory to God, a child is born to us

Christmas Eve

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence –

In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.
__________

Opening Prayer

Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Saviour of all, lying in a manger.

On this holy night draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing your glory on high.

Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever.
__________

Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 (NLT)
[The ancient promise of a light in darkness, a child born for us, are fulfilled this Christmas night…]

hqdefault

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
__________

Unto Us – Hillsong


__________

Reading: Luke 2:1-14 (NLT)
[As Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the shepherds recognize him and the angels echo their joy.

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds Govert Flinck, 1639 Louvre Museum
The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds
Govert Flinck, 1639
Louvre Museum

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

__________

Prayer:

Sisters and brothers, standing together in the brightness of this Christmas celebration, let us ask God to fill the whole world with light.

+ That those who mark the birth of Christ all over the world tonight may have new hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the people of Aleppo and the other parts of Syria may have the gift of peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ That refugees of good will may find safe haven and kindness…. Lord, hear us.
+ That hungry and homeless people may be looked after…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who have lost loved ones in 2016 may be comforted…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people who are lonely may experience friendship and love…. Lord, hear us.
+ That our friends who have fallen asleep in Christ may experience the peace and joy of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

Maker of heaven and earth, your Son is born for us, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God: hear our prayers through the same Christ, our Lord, Amen.
__________

“Angels We Have Heard On High” – Sanctus Real


__________

Blessing

May God fill you with the joy of the shepherds and make you heralds of the gospel of peace and goodwill.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Christmas Eve: 24 December – Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4-7; Philippians 2:5-11 ~ perfect timing

The Season of Advent

Advent Daily Readings and Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening sentence

When the right time came, God sent his Son….
__________

“Almost there” – Michael W Smith / Amy Grant

Evening Reading: Luke 2:1-7 NLT

Pregnant-BVM

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

“Silent Night” – Celtic Woman

Evening Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 NLT

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Evening Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 NLT

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“O Holy Night” – Josh Groban


__________

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: You emptied Yourself to assume the condition of a slave. You were tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. You, alone, were born to save us.

+ Coming into our world, Lord Jesus, You open the new age which the prophets foretold. In every age, may the Church come again to new birth.
+ You took on our human weakness. Be the eyes of the blind, the strength of the weak, the friend of the lonely.
+ Lord, You were born among the poor: show them Your love.
+ Your birth brings eternal life within man’s reach; comfort the dying with hope of new life in heaven.
+ Gather the departed to Yourself; and make them radiant in Your glory.

Fill us with confidence, Lord God, when Your Only-Begotten Son comes as our judge. We welcome Him with joy as our redeemer: year by year renew that joy, as we await the fulfillment of our redemption by Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________

Canticle

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favor – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

“Ave Maria”

Blessing

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13 NLT)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 ~ a child is born

Christmas Eve

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Good and gracious God, on this holy night You gave us Your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Saviour of all, lying in a manger. On this holy night draw us into the mystery of Your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing Your glory on high.

Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the One for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.

__________

__________

A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT)

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
__________


__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 96 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.
__________


__________

A Reading from the Letters: Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

__________


__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:1-14 (NLT)

Holy Night (Birth of Christ) Altdorfer, Albrecht, ca. 1511 Gemäldegalerie (Berlin, Germany)

Holy Night (Birth of Christ)
Altdorfer, Albrecht, ca. 1511
Gemäldegalerie (Berlin, Germany)

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
__________

__________

Intercessions:

Sisters and brothers, standing together in the brightness of this Christmas celebration, let us ask God to fill the whole world with His light.

+ For those who mark the birth of Christ all over the world this night – that the celebration may bring a refreshing new light to their lives…. Lord, hear us.

+ For all whose lives are darkened by war and violence (especially the people of the Middle East) – that the peace and goodwill proclaimed by the angels may become a reality . Lord, hear us.

+ For the hungry, the sick and the homeless – that they may have comfort, healing and friendship…. Lord, hear us.

+ For all the people in our churches who are lonely – that the light Christ may brighten their lives…. Lord, hear us.

+ For our communities and families – that Christ may find the same warm welcome among us as he received from Mary and Joseph and the shepherds that first Christmas night…. Lord, hear us.

+ For our friends who have fallen asleep in Christ, and for all who have died since last Christmas, whom we remember now… – that the peace and joy of heaven may be theirs. Lord, hear us.

Maker of heaven and earth, Your Son is born for us, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God: hear our prayers offered with confidence, through the same Christ, our Lord, Amen.
__________


__________

Benediction:

We rejoice at the coming of the Saviour in our flesh, and we await His return again in glory. May God the almighty and merciful bless You by the light of Christ’s coming, and enrich Your lives with every grace.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Christmas Eve: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (King’s College Choir)

Peanut Gallery: May our Heavenly Father fill you with the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ through the indwelling presence of his Spirit. Merry Christmas.

414SS013RGL