Carols by Candlelight

Let us go in heart and mind to Bethlehem – to recall again the wondrous events of that place and to ponder what God maybe be saying to us now through them.

​StF 212 - O Come All Ye faithful 

​Opening Prayer 
Loving God, you have come to us in Jesus.  So now we come to you, to offer our worship, to hear your word, to reflect on your love.  Help us through all we share this afternoon to hear the great story of Christmas speaking to us as though for the first time. May words that we know of old take on new meaning so that Mary’s faith, Joseph’s humility and Bethlehem’s joy, become good news for us!  This we pray in faith and in the name of Jesus Christ our light and salvation.  Amen

​Reading: Matt 1: 18-24

​StF 178 - Long Ago Prophets Knew

Reading: Luke 2:1-7

Prayer
Gracious God – you came to our world in fulfilment of your promises of old – your word embodied in a child, lying in a manger.
You loved us so much – that you staked everything to break down the barriers that keep us from you.
You shared our humanity from birth to death, so that with you we might share your eternity – life in all its fullness.
You became God with us, so that we might become one with you.
Teach us that as you needed Mary’s response then you need our response now: our willingness to trust our very selves to you, accept your mercy and experience the blessings you so long to give us.
Come again now and be born in our hearts – so that we may truly love you and joyfully serve you this and everyday – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

​StF 193 - Born In The Night

​Reading Luke 2:8-20

​StF 213 - O little town of Bethlehem

​StF 222 - Who would think that what was needed

​  As we come to our time of intercession let us remember the people of the Holy land and  all people, of the world who are living daily with conflict, suffering and hardship... 

Or perhaps there may be people in your own life who are experiencing conflict, suffering and hardship in other ways… the lonely the sick the bereaved 

I invite you to light a candle for them.

Prayer.
When the world was dark and the city was quiet – you came – you crept in beside us.
And no-one knew – only the few – who dared to believe that God might do something different
Will you do the same this Christmas.
Will you come into the darkness of today’s world Lord?

Silence.

Loving God – we ask that you come into the dark areas of the world represented in these candles… silence

We hold before you those known to us who, this night, are experiencing dark times...silence

And we pray for ourselves - come into our lives as we open them to you and do something different…silence

When the world was dark and the city was quiet you came – you crept in beside us.
Do the same this Christmas Lord – do the same this Christmas. Amen.

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. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever.
Amen

StF 217 - Silent night.​

Blessing: 
May the light of Christ shine in our hearts that we may be filled with his joy and peace.  And may the blessing of Almighty God, be with us and those for whom we pray this day and for evermore.  Amen.​​