God of our days and years, we set this time apart for you. Form us in the likeness of Christ so that our lives may glorify you. Amen.

‘O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.’ (Psalm 96:1-2)

Hymn: Once in Royal David’s city...

Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14

‘The Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel’ (God is with us). Isaiah 7:14

Let us confess our sins:

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth: accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you, our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen.

Luke 2:1-20

Please see the Christmas Message from the Minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord to be known to everyone:

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that people will be drawn together by the love of our Lord, that this season of Christmas will be a special time for all;

We pray for our planet, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive, and that all people will work together in peace;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ and build relationships;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, especially for those on our hearts and minds today, that they will know our Lord’s healing presence;

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.

We join together in the words of the Lord’s prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Hymn: Away in a Manger...

May Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon us, scatter the darkness from before our path, and make us ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.