THIS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AT 7PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24TH 2021. YOU CAN ALSO FIND THE SERVICE ON OUR YOU TUBE PAGE SHORTLY AFTER. THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ST. PAUL'S CHURCH!
Christmas Eve Service
Live Streamed at 7pm December 24th, 2021 on Facebook.
Prelude: Angels Among Us. By, Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman
(Spoken)
I was walkin’ home from school on a cold winter day. Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way. It was getting’ late, and I was scared and alone. But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Now Mama couldn't see him, oh, but he was standing there. And I knew in my heart he was the answer to my prayers.
Oh, I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.
When life held troubled times and had me down on my knees, there's always been someone to come along and comfort me. A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand, a phone call from a friend just to say “I understand”.
But ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road that someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.
Oh, I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.
They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places to grace us with their mercy in our time of need.
Oh, I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.
To guide us with a light of love.
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: Joy to the World. CP154
Joy to the world! The Lord is come: let earth receive the King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns:
let us glad songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy.
No more let wrongs and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as our sin is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of His love. The Gathering
Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God,
you were before time began
and came into the world to save us.
Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness;
you shine with the Father’s love
and illumine the whole universe.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary;
born a child, you shared our humanity.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the voices of heaven
we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the creatures on earth
we sing and dance at his birth.
Praise and honour and glory to you, O Lord most high.
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open,
all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Christmas Eve/Day God Is with Us (Based on Psalm 96)
We light our first Advent candle, a symbol of Hope. Light first candle
We light our second Advent candle, a symbol of Peace. Light second candle
We light our third Advent candle, a symbol of Joy. Light third candle
We light our fourth Advent candle, a symbol of Love. Light fourth candle
We light our Christ candle, a symbol of the long awaited birth of Jesus. Light Christ candle
Now all the candles shine forth in the darkness, for hope, peace, joy and love have come to us in the birth of the Christ child. Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice! In a world that often forgets the true reason for this celebration, in a year when we need this celebration now more than ever, let us say among the nations, “The Lord is King! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.” Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice! God, we trust that you are with us, for great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice! Let us declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples, let us sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth, and tell of his salvation from day to day. Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice!
Candle Lighting Song: Shine a Candle. By, Lucy Graham
Shine a candle into the darkness
Breath new hope into our lives.
Wind your blessed peace around us
till the day when Christ arrives
Shine a candle in the darkness.
Wind your blessed peace around us.
Shine a candle into the darkness
Breath new hope into our lives.
Wind your blessed peace around us
till the day when Christ arrives
The Collect
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the Prophet, Isaiah 9.2–7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Psalm 96 Refrain: Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. Sing to the Lord and bless the divine name; proclaim the good news of our salvation from day to day. Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations and the wonders of God among all peoples.
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, more to be feared than all gods. As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but it is you, O Lord, who made the heavens. Oh, the majesty and magnificence of your presence! Oh, the power and the splendour of your sanctuary!
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honour and power. Ascribe to the Lord the honour due the divine name; bring offerings and come into the courts of the Lord. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before God. Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord reigns! * The Lord who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peoples with equity.”
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein. Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord who is coming, who is coming to judge the earth. The Lord will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with truth.
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
A reading from the letter of Paul to Titus 2.11–14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is it who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn: Away in a Manger. CP126
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love You, Lord Jesus-look down from on high and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with you there.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Good news and great joy to all the world;
today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Lord be with you and Also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke 2.1–14, (15–20)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Good news and great joy to all the world;
today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Homily
A Christmas Affirmation (www.prayer-and-prayers.info.)
I believe in Jesus Christ
and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.
I believe in the one
whose spirit glorified a little town;
and whose spirit still brings music
to persons all over the world
in towns both large and small.
I believe in the one
for whom the crowded inn
could find no room,
and I confess that my heart
still sometimes wants
to exclude Christ from my life today.
I believe in the one
who the rulers of the earth ignored
and the proud could never understand;
whose life was among common people,
whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.
I believe in the one
who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one
whose cradle was a mother's arms,
whose modest home in Nazareth
had love for its only wealth,
who looked at persons
and made them see
what God's love saw in them,
who by love brought sinners back to purity,
and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.
I confess our ever-lasting need of God:
The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed,
the need of new life for empty souls,
the need of love for hearts grown cold.
I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God,
born in Bethlehem, for me and for the world.
Prayers of the People (engageworship.org)
Jesus Christ, born in a stable,
Be with the poor and homeless this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, born of Mary, Be with young mothers across the world this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give; shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, visited by Shepherds, Be with all who have to work this Christmas, and those who long to work.
As we pray, live and give; shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, who became a refugee, Be with those who fear for their lives, and those who have left homes and families this Christmas.
As we pray, live and give; shine your everlasting light. Amen.
Confession and Absolution (thepastorsworkshop.com)
When we allow darkness to overcome the light,
forgive us, Lord.
When we reduce Christmas to plastic and tinsel,
have mercy on us, Father.
When hardness of heart keeps us from seeing
and hearing and touching the needs of others,
let your grace consume us, O God.
When the wars around us are of no concern,
forgive us, Lord, and move us to compassion
for those who suffer.
When our caring is not extended to action,
move us to seek justice for our brothers and sisters.
We come to confess our sinfulness
before you and before each other.
Remove all barriers that divide us,
and let there be no obstacle to our love for you
and for one another. Amen.
Lord of Christmas Peace, we have done wrong. We have tarnished the gift you gave freely. We have buried you so deeply in our hearts, the world doesn’t see you. We have not followed Christ, we have ignored your teachings, we have lived lives of apathy against your love, we have built fences and fortresses to push people away, and we have silenced the screams of those in need.
Forgive us, we pray. Free us from our sin, Free us to a life lived in Joy through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Peace
Offertory Hymn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing. CP138
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King, peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angles sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”
Christ, by highest heaven adore; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh in Godhead see;
hail, the incarnate deity,
pleased as one of us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! The herald angles sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angles sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”
Prayer over the gifts
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyful feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever. Amen
The Great 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.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the woman Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory. Therefore, with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth of your glory are full. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is one, who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth of your glory are full. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and forever.
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins. As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours. Now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Music During Communion. Song 1 Comm: Ready My Heart. By, Steve Bell.
Ready my heart for the birth of Immanuel Ready my soul for the Prince of Peace Heap the straw of my life for His body to lie on Light the candle of hope let the child come in
alleluia, alleluia alleluia, Christ the Saviour is born
Mine is the home that is poor and is barren Mine is the stable of cold and stone Break the light to each corner of doubt and of darkness Now the word is made flesh for the birth of me
alleluia, alleluia alleluia, Christ the Saviour is born
Communion Song 2: Dreams Are More Precious.
Prayer after Communion
Father of all, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we who have tasted heavenly things share in the life of his eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
May the God of the angels, who heralded Christ's birth, bring joy to your hearts this day and always. May the God of love, who gave his only Son to be born for you, fill your life with love and peace. May Emmanuel, God with us, be with you in all your doings and all your celebrations, until he brings you into his eternal kingdom. And may almighty God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, bless you and all whom you love this night and forevermore. Amen.
Closing Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful. CP118
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem: come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
God of God, Light of Light,
lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord
See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
The Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia
Postlude: On a Snowy Christmas Night. By, Stanley Jay Gelber.
Midnights prayers, so softly whispered in
the Cathedral's candle light, bring the message of the holidays
on a snowy Christmas night.
Holly wreathes and hidden mistletoe, symbols of the season’s might. Joyful faces everywhere you go on a snowy Christmas night.
Give thanks for all you've been blessed with and hold your loved ones tight, for you know the Lord's been good to you on a snowy Christmas night.
Mother Nature wears a bridal gown for the world is dressed in white. There's a silent glow that fills the earth on a snowy Christmas night.
For you know the Lord's been good to you on a snowy Christmas night.
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