12/18/12

December 23, 2012 - Advent 4


Introductions and
Bidding Prayers
Chorus
God is love, and those who abide in love
abide in God, and God… in them. 1 John 4:16

ending with:
May the almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of angels bring us all. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.
The lights that we have kindled each week light the way to the coming Christ.
The candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy glow brilliantly.  Today, we light the candle of Love.
The coming Lord is forever faithful.  The never-ending affection and tenderness the Christ has for us is a gift that unequalled.
Praising the God who cares so deeply for all creation, we light this candle.  Together, we will demonstrate and share the love of Christ.

Opening Hymn 140: It came Upon a Midnight Clear

The Collect

The Readings: Good News
1) Micah 5.2-4 - Bethlehem, from you shall come forth a ruler

Hymn 120: O Little Town of Bethlehem

2) Isaiah 35 - The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad

Choir Anthem: Prepare the Way, O Zion

3) Haggai 2.5b-9 - I will fill this house with splendour

Hymn 89: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (v 1, 4, 5)

4) Isaiah 11.1-9 - There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse

Hymn 117: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

5) Isaiah 40.1-11 - A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord

Hymn 106: There's a Voice in the Wilderness (v 1, 2, 3)

6) Philippians 2.5-11 - He took the form of a servant

Hymn 132: Of Eternal Love Begotten (v 1, 2, 4)

7) The Magnificat (The Song of Mary) St Luke 1. 46. (BCP p. 21)

Hymn 269: Heavenly Message

8) Luke 1.26-38 - The Annunciation

Choir Anthem: Do Not Be Afraid

9) Luke 2.1-20 - The birth of Jesus

Hymn 143: Angels From the Realms of Glory (v 1-3)

Responsory
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For to us a child is born
to us a Son is given.
His name will be called
Wonderful counsellor, mighty God,
the everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.

The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Hymn-at-the-offertory 128: The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy

The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
The Prayer over the Gifts
The Great Thanksgiving - Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord’s Prayer
The Breaking of the Bread - Advent
The Communion
Anthem: Lamb of God

Hymns-during-communion:
131: Love Came Down at Christmas
125: Infant Holy
137: What Child is This

Choir Anthem: Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen

The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Hymn 135: Shepherds in the Fields Abiding
The Scattering