Order of Service – Tuesday 25 December 2024 – CHRISTMAS DAY
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP – Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
HYMN: 303 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
This morning as we light the Christ candle we see a completed circle of light. We are invited to reflect on the light of Christ gifted to us. A light that changes darkness, that reveals that which is hidden, that warms and nurtures and gives us hope.
PRAYER
Gracious God, we light this Christ Candle with joy in our hearts. May we in this Christmas Day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, be ourselves light bearers and sources of hope in Your world.
A LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS
O Lord our God, we thank You for the birth of Jesus Christ, Your incarnate Word, who hallows life in this world.
We hail the Prince of Peace, the King of kings, who comes into our world to reconcile us with You and with one another.
On this day of days, we marvel at Your wisdom, Your coming among us as one of us. This is a mystery beyond our comprehension.
We can only stand in awe and thank You for Your great and perfect gift to us.
Help us to be grateful on this anniversary of Your Son’s birth.
Grant that He may be born in us that we may share His joy and peace and be strengthened to worship and serve You.
Grant that His light and goodness remove the darkness of sin and enlighten our hearts with His love.
Grant that He may bring us joy in the good news of this day.
Almighty God, we thank You that You loved the world so much that You gave Your only begotten Son for the salvation of humankind.
Grant us wisdom and grace to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and proclaim him as “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Amen!
HYMN: 308 “To Us a Child of Royal Birth” (Tune 387 Dunedin)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
We give You thanks, O Lord, for the charities and organisations and the vision of those who established them, that continues to be lived out.
Love is born, Love is always born.
For those who are less fortunate and for the hope that they now have, and for all those touched through the work of those who express their love and for our own giving.
Love is born, Love is always born.
For all refugees and those displaced by disasters and conflicts. May there be peace with justice and healing for all who suffer.
Love is born, Love is always born.
For families and people for whom Christmas is not an easy time but rather sad, and particularly those grieving the absence of a loved one or estranged from family.
Love is born, Love is always born.
For the witness and unity of Christian communities to the joyous birth of Jesus Christ and the people who form the communities.
Love is born, Love is always born.
For the healing of the earth, the care of creation and an end to climate neglect.
Love is born, Love is always born.
HYMN: 311 “Silent Night, Holy Night”
BIBLE READING Ian Butters
Psalm 96:1-13 (Page 592) Luke 2:8-20 (Pages 1014-1015)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “Doing What the Shepherds Did” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 268 “Joy to the World! The Lord is Come”
NOTICES –
- Movie/ Pizza Nights will resume on Tues 4 Feb 6:30 pm.
- Elders’ & Council Meetings Wed 5 February 10:00 am.
- Time4U will resume on Wed 12 February 10:00 am.
OFFERING AND DEDICATION OF OFFERING
Jesus, Light of the world, You bring hope, peace, joy and love.
Bless these gifts and make Your light shine into the darkness of suffering and struggle. Amen!
HYMN: 313 “Good Christians All, Rejoice”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SENDING OUT AND BENEDICTION
We have heard the story as it begins. It is yet to end. It continues to be reborn in us, the spark of the divine in us as we play our part in God’s mission in the world.
We leave from here, we live that story, to tell the story again of love born on Christmas and to be bearers of hope, peace, joy and love.
Jesus, the light of the world is born! Jesus, the word made fresh, is born!
Jesus Emmanuel, God-with-us is born, this day.
Let us go from here as people who carry the Light and the promise of God into the world God loves.
And the blessing of God be upon you now and remain with you forever.
Amen!
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To contact Krikor call 0418 417 411
Church Website: http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au
Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740