Order of Service – Sunday 25 December 2022 – CHRISTMAS

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Do not be afraid – we have news of joy to share with everyone!

        Glory to God in the Highest! Peace to all people on earth!

The grace of God has appeared

        Bringing salvation for all!

We come to celebrate the God of Peace and Salvation.

We come to celebrate new birth.

We come to be part of a community of joy and thanksgiving.

        We come, O Christ, we come!                                       (Luke 2:10, 14, Titus 2:14)

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE (Candle of Christ – Light)

We continue the story of rebirth, telling a story into the circle of lights.

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. (Isaiah 9:2)

This final light is for our own rebirth.

        This is the candle for CHRIST, born once again among us.

        Let us honour the Light! (Pause)

HYMN:      286      “Light One Candle for Hope” (Peace, Joy and Love)

A LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS

Eternal God, our Father, whose coming to us we celebrate in these days of Christmas, we are grateful that in the fullness of the time Christ came to us.

We thank You that He came not just for a night or for a year, or for a lifetime, but He came to stay.

We celebrate the love which we have experienced, and which no circumstance can destroy.

We delight in the peace beyond all description which is Your gift to us.

Thanks be to You, O Lord, that You have come not just to fulfil ancient prophecy, but to bring fullness to our empty lives.

We thank You for light and love and hope that Christ has brought to us. We pledge ourselves to spread that light, manifest that love, and to live in that hope—all of which are ours by faith in Him who comes to us, even Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, help us to love, as You loved; help us to live, as You lived; help us to be neighbours to our fellow men in their need.

Open our ears, O Lord.

To hear what You are saying to us in the things that happen to us and in the people we meet.

Open our eyes, O Lord.

To see the needs of the people around us.

Open our hands, O Lord.

To do our work well, to help when help is needed.

Open our lips, O Lord.

To tell others the good news of Jesus and bring comfort, happiness and joy to other people.

Open our hearts, O Lord.

To love You and our fellow men as You have loved us in Jesus. To Him, with You, our Father, and the Holy Spirit, all honour and praise be given now and forever. Amen!

HYMN:       290       “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

BIBLE READING                                                                        Ian Butters

Titus 2:11-14 (Page 1182)                                                               Isaiah 9:2-7 (Page 683)

MUSICAL REFLECTION

MESSAGE:                  “He Will Be Called!”           Krikor Youmshajekian

HYMN:       274      “The People that in Darkness Walked”

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Under Southern skies, we bring our prayers for the world in joy and pain.

For those who work today, especially emergency services and carers, we give thanks and ask for a peace-filled day for them.

For those who are on their own in isolation, we ask Your presence and comfort.

Knowing God, cast Your eyes mercifully on those who struggle today and give them a sense of resilience and purpose.

Help them to imagine a world where their contribution is valued.

Relate to old and young, to pastoralists and wise ones, to the diversity of human existence, and show us, through Your vulnerability, how to live in this sometimes harsh world.

Angelic hosts, surround the dying, encourage the fearful and sing in our spirits.

Inform our praying, so that we might be effective in holding those in the Ukraine, Artsakh and surrounding nations in our hearts.

Be with those who have sought refuge in Australia and other lands.

Enable those who offer them aid.

Nations will one day bow before You, little babe. 

Until that time, give us the humility to be Your people among the nations,

working with hope for Your peace, joy and love.

Emmanuel be praised, be with us – now and forever. Amen!

CHOIR:               “Carol of the Birds”

_{^{Words by John Wheeler  and  Music by William G. James}}

NOTICES –

• Time4U – Recommences on Wednesday 1 February 2023.
• Movie/Pizza Night – 6:30 pm Tuesday 7 February 2023.
• Elders’ & Council Meeting – Wednesday 8 Feb 12:30 pm.
• Congregational Meeting – Sunday 12 February 10:30 am.

OFFERING and DEDICATION

Receiving grace, we are thankful. Appreciating beauty, we wonder. In our giving, we celebrate.  May the gifts of your provision to us, return as signs of your love to bless others. Amen!

HYMN:        228       “Crown Him with Many Crowns”

THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                          

SENDING OUT AND BENEDICTION

Go in ongoing celebration of the birth of the Christ-child.

Enjoy the community brought into being by Christ today.

Share with others the story of Parent and Child, Mother and Midwife, Publican and Tax Consultant, Traveller and Companion.

As You visit or are visited, come alive in the blessing of the Trinity God, present with You now and forevermore. 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