No. 13: Once in Royal David’s city – the choir alone for the first verse
Welcome and opening prayer.
At Christmas time we delight again to hear the story of the journey to Bethlehem, the songs of the angels, the surprise of the shepherds and the joy as they found Jesus in the manger.
But lest we forget he was born to poverty; we remember at this time all who are hungry or cold.
Lest we forget he became a refugee; we remember now the stranger and the lonely among us.
And lest we forget he felt the pain of life and death, we remember now those who are ill, or anxious, or bereaved.
And because we know he came for our salvation, let us in heart and mind go once again to Bethlehem to hear the message of the angels and worship afresh the Son of God. Amen.
No. 5: O Come all ye faithful – omit verse 4
Reading 1: The Fall of Man. Genesis 3.
Hymn book No.349 :O come, O come Emmanuel
Reading 2: Christ’s birth is foretold by the prophet Isaiah
No. 20: Unto us is born a son. Verse 3 men only Verse 4 Ladies only
Reading 3: The Angel visits Mary- St Luke
Choir Carol: Gabriel the Angel came – Arr. John Barnard
Reading 4 :Tells of the birth of Jesus – St Luke
No:14 O little town of Bethlehem
Choir Carol: Dormi Jesu (the Virgin’s Cradle hymn)- Edmund Rubbra
Reading 5: Tells of the Angels visiting the shepherds- St Luke
No:10 While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Reading 6: Tells of the visit of the Magi. – St Matthew
Solo by Nick Manning The three Kings – Peter Cornelius
Choir Carol: Past Three o clock- Traditional
Hymn book No:273 Joy to the world!
Reading 7: The Word became flesh -St John 1
Final prayers and blessing:
God our Father, your Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem,
May the light of faith shine in our hearts, and shine in our words and deeds, through Christ our Lord. Amen
We say the blessing together:
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing and the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit bless us and keep us. Amen.
The collection this evening will be divided between three charities, Mary’s Meals, The Brigitte Trust and Christophers Hospice.