Order of Service – Friday 25 2021 – CHRISTMAS
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP from John 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.
Let us worship God!
HYMN: 246 “Christ is the World’s Light, He and None Other”
O Lord our God, we thank You for the birth of your Son Jesus Christ, Your incarnate Word who hallows life in this world.
We hail the Prince, the King of kings, who comes into our world to reconcile us with You and 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, and Prince of Peace. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE (Light) – Christ
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52).
We light the Christ candle, the candle of our Saviour.
Jesus, light of our world, today we live in hope, we pray for peace, we share your love, as we are filled with Your joy.
Help us bring hope, peace, joy and love to the world. Amen.
HYMN: 268 “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
John wrote:
‘And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.’
Jesus, Word of God made flesh, make abundant and rich the love which is expressed in care and compassion.
We specially pray today for all refugees and for those who are looking for healing and hope.
Open our hearts to people in need this Christmas, even when we cannot imagine their suffering and struggle.
Shine the light of Your love on us and on them that together we may be messengers of grace and truth in the World.
HYMN: 308 “To Us a Child of Royal Birth” (Tune 387 Dunedin)
A LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS
In joy and humility let us pray to the creator of the universe, saying:
Lord, grant us peace. By the good news of our salvation brought to Mary by the angel, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the mystery of the Word made flesh, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the manifestation of the King of glory to the shepherds and wise men, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the submission of the mark of the world to Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
By the baptism of the Son of God in the river Jordan, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
Grant that the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, hear us, O Lord.
Lord, grant us peace.
HYMN: 303 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
BIBLE READINGS – Ian Butters
Hebrews 1:1-4 (Page 1184) John 1.1-18 (Page 1049)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “The Word Made Flesh” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 265 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
NOTICES – Fellowship Meal – Sunday 26 December after Morning Tea.
- – 6:30 pm Tuesday 1 February.
- Recommences on Wednesday 2 February 2022.
- – Wednesday 9 Feb 12:30 pm.
- LS Survey – Sunday 13 Feb after church Service.
- Sunday 27 Feb 10:30 am.
OFFERING – DEDICATION OF THE 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
Jesus, the light of the world is born! Jesus, the Word made flesh, 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!
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