Opening Welcome
Opening prayer – Hazel
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This good news announced by the angel was not meant to be kept quiet or at a distance. It was an invitation — an invitation to come, to see, and to worship. So, with the angels and the shepherds, and with all who have heard this joyful news through the ages, let us respond as the carol invites us: “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant…” – Gwen
Carol 1: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Reading Luke 2: 13 – 14 “ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'”
In Luke’s Gospel, the angels announce the greatest news the world has ever heard: God has come near in the birth of Jesus. Their song declares glory to God and peace on earth, peace that comes through restored relationship with Him. As we sing our next carol, we echo that same angelic message, joining heaven’s praise for the new born King. – Marguerite
Carol 2: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Lighting of the Advent candles – Stefano
Reading Luke 2: 7“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Luke tells us that Mary gave birth to her firstborn, wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. On that humble night, God came near to us in the form of a child. As we sing Oh What a Glorious Night, we celebrate that miraculous moment when heaven touched earth and joy entered the world. – Nathan
Carol 3: Oh what a Glorious Night
Reading Matthew 2: 1 – 2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.’”
Matthew tells us that wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a star and bringing gifts to honour Him. As we sing We Three Kings, we join in their journey of worship and adoration, celebrating the coming of Christ and the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that point to His kingship, divinity, and sacrifice. As we sing the chorus let us remember that we are not lost, God is guiding us. – Lisa
Carol 4: We three kings
Thought “Loves’ great journey!”
Reading Isaiah 9: 6 “ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah proclaims the coming of a child who will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace — the promised King who brings hope and salvation. As we sing Born is the King, we join in the celebration of His arrival, rejoicing that this prophecy has been fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, our Saviour and King. – Anne
Carol 5: Born is the King
Prayers of Intercession – Steve
Lord’s prayer – Alison
Reading Matthew 1: 23 “Behold the virgin will be with child and bear a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which is translated ‘God with us’).
Matthew tells us that the child born to Mary would be called Immanuel — God with us. Not a distant God, but one who comes close, entering our world, sharing our weakness, and bringing hope into the darkness. As we reflect on this great promise fulfilled, let us respond in worship as we sing: “Immanuel… our God is with us.”– Gillian
Closing Carol: Immanuel
Blessing
“May the Lord bless you
and keep you;
may the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
may the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Grace – Jonathan