Christmas Day

​Call to Worship.
Like the shepherds, we come to the stable, uncertain of what we have heard and seen, longing to hear a word of peace and joy.
Like the wise men, we have journeys to make, gifts to offer, and hope in our hearts, that this world can change for the better.
Here, in the stillness of this Christmas morning we come together to share the light of Christ, a light that shines out in the darkness of this world.

​StF174 Light a candle in a darkened place. Reproduced from Singing the Faith Electronic Words Edition, number 174 Words and Music: © 1996, 2002 Clare Stainsby Piano Accompaniment Alex Norman

​​Prayers 
Loving God, we thank you that you are Love and that you embrace us with your love given to us freely by the birth of Jesus as a tiny baby. We thank you for this Season of Christmas and all that it means to each one of us.
You have given us so much.
Receive our Praise today.
We thank you for the times that many of us have and will be able to share with family and friends, for the joys of giving and receiving and the celebrations we can have.
We thank you for the familiar carols and words of scripture that we can share – for everything that has reminds us of that night 2000 years ago when you came among us to share our humanity.
You have given us so much.
Receive our Praise today.
Loving God, Help us to always keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, to remember the coming of the infant Christ, to worship him with thanksgiving and reverence just as the shepherds and wise men did so long ago, to welcome him and to follow him in the same way that his disciples did when they left everything behind them to do so.
You have given us so much.
Receive our Praise today.
Loving God, speak to us today through all that we share together, the words that we sing in our hymns, through our readings and all that we hear. May our lives be touched and filled with the wonder of your presence and your love.
You have given us so much.
Receive our Praise today.
In the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
​Amen

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. 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 213 O little town of Bethlehem   Produced by Christmas Songs and Carols - Love to Sing! Words © Phillips Brooks; music – traditional English melody. ​

​Reading: Luke chapter 2 verses 1-14

Stf 216 See him lying in a bed of straw Sung by Frodsham Methodist Church Cloud Choir. Michael Perry (1942–1996) Reproduced from Singing the Faith Electronic Words Edition, number 216 Words: © Mrs B. Perry / Jubilate Hymns, Administered by The Jubilate Group, Kitley House, St Katherines Road, Torquay TQ1 4DE.

Reading Titus 3 v 4 - 7

​StF 222 Who would think that what was needed.  Performed by Northallerton Methodist Church Choir,  John L. Bell (b. 1949) and Graham Maule (b. 1958) Words: From Heaven Shall Not Wait © 1987, WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH Scotland. <www.wgrg.co.uk>

​Prayers of Intercession
Lord, Jesus Christ, you came to our world, but there was no place for you. You came to your own people, but they were not ready to receive you. You were born in Bethlehem, but there was no room for you in the inn. You walked among us, sharing our humanity, but had no place to rest your head. You returned to your hometown but suffered rejection by those who knew you. You came to bring life to all people, but you were put to death on a cross. You know what it is to be homeless, hungry, abandoned, and rejected. Today, we bring you our prayers for all those in similar situations today.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who have no roof over their head or no place to call their own – waiting, perhaps, on housing lists, or evicted because they cannot pay the rent, homes destroyed by natural disasters, or left behind as they flee from persecution or the threat of war.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who live in poor or overcrowded conditions, in shanty towns or refugee camps, hostels or B & B accommodation, tenement blocks or run-down slums; for those who have no choice but to sleep rough on the streets.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who feel that they have no place in society – the unemployed, the addict, those who are lonely, oppressed, or persecuted. We pray for all who are sick or suffering in any way, all who suffer and those who have lost loved ones because of the pandemic. We pray especially for all who mourn and feel untouched by the joy of this Christmas season.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, may we reach out in your name to all who face such situations. May they know your love and the assurance that you care, courage to believe in the future, and strength to meet the present. May those who offer help and those who campaign for justice know your presence and the assurance that you walk with them. Bless all those who try to give hope where there seems only to be hopelessness.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
May we all make your love real and show your compassion to those around us. May each one of us be your hands and feet in today’s world wherever we are and be willing to go wherever you may send us.
Friend of the friendless,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, we ask all these things in your name today.
​Amen.

​StF 212 O come, all ye faithful  Produced by ianbritton.co.uk. Soundtrack recorded live at the Northern Baptist Association Big Sing, Newcastle upon Tyne.

​Blessing
As you leave here today, carry joy in your heart. Share joy by seeing the good in others. Share joy by remembering good times and hoping for good times to come. Share joy by praying for our world. As you go out into the wonder of God’s creation share the peace, hope, joy and love of Jesus with those you love, those you know and those you meet. In his wonderful name. Amen