Welcome
Hymn Joy to the world
Candle lighting –
On this our Christmas morning celebration, Jesus’ birthday, we light all the candles of the Advent wreath. First, we light the candle for HOPE because God is our HOPE. Secondly, we light the candle for PEACE because God is our PEACE. Thirdly, we light the candle for JOY because GOD brings joy. Fourthly, we light the candle for LOVE because God is Love. Finally, we light the centre candle. This is the CHRIST candle. Jesus who is Immanuel, that is God with us is born. Jesus is our salvation, Jesus is our light in a dark world is with us today.
Here is a reading from John’s Gospel as speaks about Jesus, John 1: 4 – 5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Call to worship: Isaiah 9: 6
“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.”
Opening prayer – Alison
Christmas Presents
Prayers of thanks – Hazel
Hymn Hark, the herald angels sing
Reading Luke 2: 8 – 15
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Steve
Thought “One life matters”
Hymn 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 – Steve