“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” - Rev John Rowe

​This act of worship has been prepared for you by Rev John Rowe to use at home.  The Theme is   “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Welcome & Call to Worship
Let us prepare the way of the Lord and make straight his path to our hearts and minds – Let us worship God.

​StF174 Light a candle

​StF186 Tell out my soul

​Advent Praise
Lord Jesus, we rejoice that you came in fulfilment of age-old prophecy, vindicating at last the long-held expectations of your people. After so many years of frustrated hopes, so many false dawns and disappointments, you dwelt among men and women, the Prince of Peace, the promised Messiah, Son of God.

​Lord, we rejoice in this season, so full of promise and expectation; this time which reminds us of all that has been and all that is yet to be. May the worship we offer and the events we remember today teach us to trust you completely, knowing that, whatever else may happen, your saving purpose will be fulfilled. You Lord, have shown us that what God promises shall be accomplished and for that assurance we worship and praise you. Amen

​A prayer of confession
Gracious God,
Christmas is drawing near. The shops are full of decorations and gifts, and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere. We confess to you now, that we sometimes forget the purpose of our waiting.
We look forward to seeing friends and relations, travelling to see them, or welcoming them into our homes; But we forget that Jesus is always seeking a welcome in our hearts. We buy lots of food and plan for special meals, but we don’t leave time for you to feed us through your word.
We prepare all kinds of surprises to unwrap, but forget that Jesus should be at the heart of our celebrations.
Forgive us Lord for pushing Him to one side, and making ourselves busy with other things. John the Baptist sent a message to Jesus saying, ‘Are You the one who is to come?’
Thank You that Jesus is the one who came, and who still comes,
To be our Lord and our Saviour.
Help us to keep Him at the centre of all that we do, this Christmas and always.
Amen.

Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 & John 1:5-8, 19-28

​Sermon

​StF182 On Jordan’s Banks The Baptist’s Cry

​Intersession Prayers
Loving God,
we thank you for the hope you have given us in Christ, the meaning and purpose, joy and fulfilment you bring us through him.
Hear now our prayer for those who find it hard to hope, those for whom life is hard.
Reach out to them in their need,
and may the light of Christ break into their darkness.

We think of those we label as the Third World - the hungry and undernourished, homeless and refugees, sick and suffering -
human beings just like us, deprived of their dignity in the desperate struggle for survival. We think of those who are caught up in war - overwhelmed by fear and hatred, their homes and livelihoods destroyed, each day lived under the threat of violence.
Reach out to them in their need,
and may the light of Christ break into their darkness.

We pray for those who feel overwhelmed by life – the lonely, the frightened, the sad and weary - many dreading what the next day might bring. Lord we think of all those known to us for whom this time is a hard and difficult time…………
Reach out to them in their need,
and may the light of Christ break into their darkness.

Loving God, may the message of hope which Advent brings burst afresh into our world, bringing help, hope and healing. And may we, as those who profess the name of Christ, play our part in showing his love, displaying his care, and fulfilling his purpose, so that he might come again this Christmas to all who have lost hope.
Reach out to them in their need,
and may the light of Christ break into their darkness.
For his name's sake. Amen.

​StF594 Lord Jesus Christ

​StF59 Lord, the light of your love (Shine, Jesus, shine)

​Blessing
Give to us, Lord, ears to hear what you are saying; eyes to see what you are doing; strength to be obedient to your will; courage to declare what we know is true; and the desire to prepare for your coming through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
May the peace of God and the God of peace, be with you all, evermore. Amen