The Old is Revealed in the New - A Lessons and Carols Service
This service is packed with a baptism and communion!
The idea is to have a very simple lessons structure with a repeated response
to show how the promise of Christ can be seen in the Old Testament
We also share in the dedication of a young life to God and the service culminates
with a reminder of what Jesus came for. I would rather not have all these
things happening together but God willing, they will provide food for thought
as well as meaningful worship.
CALL TO WORSHIP:
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
CAROL: 167 Once in royal David’s city
CANDLE CEREMONY:
NB After each set of readings, repeat call to worship
READINGS 1: Isaiah 7:10-15 - Behold a virgin shall conceive
Luke 1:26-38 - the Annunciation
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
PRAYER: (Anglican liturgy)
Blessed are you Son of Mary,
born a child you share our humanity
heaven and earth shout their praise
Blessed are you, Son of David,
born to rule you receive gifts from the wise
heaven and earth shout their praise
Blessed are you, Son of Man
born our saviour you are the light of the world
heaven and earth shout their praise
The angel said, you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people
from their Sins
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
We confess our sins in penitence and faith
Christ the Light of the world has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts
In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sins
silence is kept
Lord of grace and truth.. we confess our unworthiness
to stand in your presence as your children
We have sinned, forgive and heal us
The virgin Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus
forgive our disobedience to your will
We have sinned, forgive and heal us
Your son our saviour was born in poverty in a manger.
Forgive our greed and rejection of your ways
We have sinned, forgive and heal us
The shepherds left their flocks to go to Bethlehem.
Forgive our self-interest and lack of vision
We have sinned: forgive and heal us.
The wise men followed the star to Find Jesus the King
forgive our reluctance to seek you.
We have sinned, forgive and heal us
Absolution
CHOIR: All my heart this night rejoices - Hymns for the people 8
O come and join the dance - the Source 381
READINGS 2: Micah 5:2-4 - a ruler will come from Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-7 - Jesus is born in Bethlehem
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
CAROL: 145 O little town of Bethlehem
READINGS 3: Isaiah 9:2,6-7 - The people who walk in darkness have seen a
great light
Luke 2:8-20 - The angel’s light shines on the shepherds
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
BAPTISM:
CAROL: 155 While shepherds watched
READINGS 4: 4: Psalm 72:1-7 - A mighty King
Matthew 2:1-11 - The visit of the Kings
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
CHOIR: Like a candle flame - the source 322
Star carol - Rutter
READINGS 5: Genesis 1:1-5 - In the beginning, God
John 1:1-14 - In the beginning was the word
In the past God spoke through the prophets
BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
PRAYERS: (Anglican liturgy)
Lord in your mercy HEAR OUR PRAYER
We bring before God our needs and the needs of his world
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given
Wonderful counsellor give your wisdom to the rulers of the nations
Lord in your mercy HEAR OUR PRAYER
Mighty God,
make the whole world know that the government is on your shoulders
Lord in your mercy HEAR OUR PRAYER
Everlasting Father,establish your reign of justice and righteousness for
ever
Lord in your mercy HEAR OUR PRAYER
Prince of peace
bring in the endless kingdom of your peace
Lord in your mercy HEAR OUR PRAYER
Almighty Lord,hear our prayer and fulfil your purposes in us
as you accomplished your will in our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
OFFERTORY CAROL: 160 O come all ye faithful
COMMUNION
after communion choir sing - What kind of greatness - the Source 567
CAROL: 159 Hark the herald angels sing
BLESSING: