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St Lucy Parish Church Diocese of Barbados Nestfield, St. Lucy

CHRISTMAS DAY – YEAR A 25th December 2025 Rector: The Rev’d Hugh Sandiford Deacon: The Rev’d Sharon King Seminarians: Mr. Asteir Dean Mr. Shaquan Thomas Church Wardens: Justice Anthony Blackman Mr. William Yearwood Organist: Mr. Matthew Banfield Sexton: Mr. Noverton Gibson Our Vision: To be an authentic community where all are accepted, loved and disciples are formed! CONTACT US:

Telephone/Whatsapp: 572-5336/230-9405 Email: stlucychurch1627@yahoo.com A Address: Nesfield, Saint Lucy, Barbados

ORDER OF SERVICE OPENING PRAYER PROCESS TO ORGAN PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL HYMNS: 61, 81 PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you ALL: And also with you. PRESIDENT: Let us proceed in peace ALL: In the name of Christ, our Lord. HYMN: 61 - Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn 1

Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn, whereon the Saviour of the world was born; rise to adore the mystery of love, which hosts of angels chanted from above: with them the joyful tidings first begun of God Incarnate and the Virgin’s Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told, who heard the angelic herald’s voice, 'Behold, I bring good tidings of a Saviour’s birth to you and all the nations upon earth: this day hath God fulfilled his promised word, this day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.'

He spake; and straightway the celestial choir in hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire; the praises of redeeming love they sang, and heaven’s whole orb with alleluias rang: God’s highest glory was their anthem still, peace upon earth, and unto men good will.

To Bethlehem straight the enlightened shepherds ran, to see the wonder God had wrought for man, and found, with Joseph and the blessèd Maid, her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid: then to their flocks, still praising God, return, and their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.

O may we keep and ponder in our mind God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind; trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss, from his poor manger to his bitter cross; tread in his steps, assisted by his grace, till man’s first heavenly state again takes place.

Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among, to sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song: he that was born upon this joyful day around us all his glory shall display; saved by his love, incessant we shall sing eternal praise to heaven’s almighty King.

HYMN: 81 - O come, Redeemer of mankind, appear 1

O come, Redeemer of mankind, appear, thee with full hearts the Virgin-born we greet; let every age with rapt amazement hear that wondrous birth which for our God is meet.

Not by the will of man, or mortal seed, but by the Spirit’s breathed mysterious grace the Word of God became our flesh indeed, and grew a tender plant of human race.

Lo! Mary’s virgin womb its burthen bears; nor less abides her virgin purity; in the King’s glory see our nature shares; here in his temple God vouchsafes to be.

From His bright chamber, virtue’s holy shrine, the royal Bridegroom cometh to the day; of twofold substance, human and divine, as giant swift, rejoicing on his way.

Forth from His Father to the world he goes, back to the Father’s face his way regains, far down to souls beneath his glory shows, again at God’s right hand victorious reigns.

With the Eternal Father equal, thou girt with our flesh dost triumph evermore, strengthening our feeble bodies here below with endless grace from thine own living store.

How doth thy lowly manger radiant shine! On the sweet breath of night new splendour grows; so may our spirits glow with faith Divine, where no dark cloud of sin shall interpose.

All praise and glory to the Father be, all praise and glory to his only son, all praise and glory, Holy Ghost, to thee, both now, and while eternal ages run.

INTROIT HYMN: 77 - O come, all ye faithful 1

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the King of angels: Refrain O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

God of God, Light of Light, Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb; Very God, begotten, not created: Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above: ‘Glory to God in the highest:’ Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesu, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father now in flesh appearing: Refrain

SALUTATION PRESIDENT: Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. A warm welcome to our Eucharistic worship. Today, we celebrate Christmas Day – The Nativity of our Lord, and our collect can be found on page 158. The Eucharist continues on page 97. OPENING SENTENCE: PRESIDENT: I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people: today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10 VERSICLE & RESPONSE (BCP Page 101) PRESIDENT: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Alleluia. Alleluia. ALL: And blessed be His Kingdom, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia.

ALL: Blessed Lord and Father, we have assembled in your name and in fellowship with one another. Enable us by your grace to offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; to proclaim and respond to your holy word. Teach us to pray for your world and your Church. Grant that we, confessing our sins, may worthily offer to you our souls and bodies as a living sacrifice and eat and drink of your spiritual food in this Holy Sacrament. Amen. COLLECT FOR PURITY (BCP Page 101) ALL: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your Holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. THE KYRIE (BCP Page 102) Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

(BCP Page 102)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One; you alone are the Lord: you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. COLLECT PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you! ALL: And also with you! PRESIDENT: Let us pray. The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Day

(BCP page 158)

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen. PRESIDENT: Kindly sit for the ministry of the word. FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 52:7-10

(Mrs. Beverley Edwards)

READER: A reading from the Word of God written in the book of the Prophet Isaiah, chapter fifty-two beginning at the seventh verse. ILLUMINATION: READER: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

READER: The word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God. PSALM - 98 1

O sing unto the Lord a new song: for he has done marvellous things.

With his own right hand, and with his holy arm: hath he gotten himself the victory.

The Lord declared his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel: and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.

Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

Praise the Lord upon the harp: sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.

With trumpets also and shawms: O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.

Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is: the round world, and they that dwell therein.

Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord: for he is come to judge the earth.

With righteousness shall he judge the world: and the people with equity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. SECOND LESSON: Hebrews 1:1-4

(Dr. Colin Cumberbatch)

READER: A reading from the word of God written in the letter to the Hebrews, chapter one beginning at the first verse. ILLUMINATION:

Reader: Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. READER: The word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God. GRADUAL HYMN: 79 - O Christ, Redeemer of our race 1

O Christ, Redeemer of our race, thou brightness of the Father's face, of him, and with him ever one, ere times and seasons had begun.

Thou art that very Light of Light, unfailing hope in sin's dark night, hear thou the prayers thy people pray, the wide world o'er, this blessed day.

Remember, Lord of life and grace, how once, to save a ruined race, thou didst our very flesh assume In Mary's undefiled womb.

To-day, as year by year its light sheds o'er the world a radiance bright, one precious truth is echoed on, "'tis thou hast saved us, thou alone."

Thou from the Father's throne didst come to call his banished children home; and heav'n, and earth, and sea, and shore his love who sent thee here adore.

The Gospel: John 1:1-14 PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you. ALL: And also with you. PRESIDENT: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John, the first chapter beginning at the first verse. ALL: Glory to Christ our Saviour ILLUMINATION: PRESIDENT: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. PRESIDENT: This is the Gospel of Christ ALL: Praise to Christ our Lord HYMN: 79 6

(verses 6 - 7)

And gladsome too are we to-day, whose guilt thy blood has washed away; redeemed the new-made song we sing; it is the birthday of our King.

O Lord, the virgin-born, to thee eternal praise and glory be, whom with the Father we adore and Holy Ghost forevermore.

THE SERMON HYMN: 561 - We believe in God the Father 1

We believe in God the Father, God almighty, by whose plan earth and heaven sprang to being, all created things began. We believe in Christ the Saviour, Son of God in human frame, virgin-born, the child of Mary upon whom the Spirit came.

Christ, who on the cross forsaken, like a lamb to slaughter led, suffered under Pontius Pilate, he descended to the dead. we believe in Jesus risen, heaven's king to rule and reign, to the Father’s side ascended till as judge he comes again.

We believe in God the Spirit; in one church, below, above: saints of God in one communion, one in holiness and love. So by faith, our sins forgiven, Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend, we shall rise with him in glory to the life that knows no end.

PRAYERS FOR CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS (From the Church of England) Holy Jesus, by being born one of us, and lying humbly in a manger, you show how much God loves the world. Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, until we reach our home in heaven, and see you on your throne of glory. in your mercy Hear our prayer. 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. in your mercy Hear our prayer. Loving Jesus, you were born in a stable but worshipped by the angels. Be with all who are lonely this Christmastide and with all who feel distant from celebrations. Be for us a living hope that lightens their hearts. in your mercy Hear our prayer. Jesus, as you healed the sick, bring healing to those in our families who are ill today. Jesus, Lord of love, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Christ born for us, Son of God, given for us, help us to know you, to worship and to serve you. in your mercy Hear our prayer. The kings, Lord, brought myrrh, frankincense, and gold. Lord, we have nothing of our own to bring; we bring you what you have given: our lives for your life. in your mercy Hear our prayer. Jesus, Saviour, son of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our lives and hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. in your mercy Hear our prayer. May God, who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, bless us and fill us with peace. Lord of the Church hear our prayer, and make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever. Amen. ACT OF PENITENCE (BCP Page 123) PRESIDENT: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all un-righteousness.

A period of silence shall be kept. PRESIDENT: Let us therefore confess our sins. FORM A (BCP Page 123) ALL: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and one another, in thought, word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name. Amen THE ABSOLUTION (BCP Page 124) PRESIDENT: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. THE GREETING OF PEACE (BCP Page 125) FORM A PRESIDENT: We are the body of Christ. By the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. and have all been made to drink of the one Spirit. ALL: Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and build up the common life. PRESIDENT: The peace of the Lord be always with you. ALL: And also with you. PRESIDENT: Let us share that peace.

THE PEACE SONG: Mary’s Boy Child 1

Long time ago in Bethlehem So the Holy Bible say Mary's boy child Jesus Christ Was born on Christmas Day.

While Shepherds watched their flock by night They see a bright new shining star They hear a choir of angels sing The music seems to come from afar. Chorus Hark now, hear the angels sing A new King's born today And man will live for evermore Because of Christmas Day Trumpets sound and angels sing Listen to what they say That man will live for evermore Because of Christmas Day.

Now Joseph and his wife Mary Come to Bethlehem that night They find no place to bear her child Not a single room was in sight.

And then they found a little nook In a stable all forlorn, and in a manger cold and dark, Mary's little boy child was born. Chorus

OFFERTORY HYMNS: 73, 63

HYMN: 73 - Joy to the world 1

Joy to the world! The Lord has come; Let earth receive her King: Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! The Saviour reigns: Let us our songs employ: While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground: He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness And wonders of his love, And wonders of his love, And wonders, and wonders of his love.

HYMN: 63 - The Virgin Mary had a baby boy 1

The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, And they said that his name was Jesus.

Refrain He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Oh yes, believer, oh yes, believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. 2

The angels sang when the babe was born, The angels sang when the babe was born, The angels sang when the babe was born, And proclaimed him the Saviour Jesus. Refrain

The wise men saw where the babe was born, The wise men saw where the babe was born, The wise men saw where the babe was born, And they saw that his name was Jesus. Refrain

THE PRESENTATION OF OFFERING - FORM B (BCP Page 126) PRESIDENT AND PEOPLE Father, we offer to you these gifts which you have given us; this bread, this wine, this money. With them we offer ourselves, our lives, and our work, to become through your Holy Spirit a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice. As this bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, so may we and all your people become channels of your love; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYERS SURSUM CORDA PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you. ALL: And also with you. PRESIDENT: Lift up your hearts. ALL: We lift them up to the Lord.

PRESIDENT: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. ALL: It is right to give God thanks and praise. PRESIDENT: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father Almighty, everlasting God: Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore, we praise you; joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: ALL: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER A (BCP Page 131) PRESIDENT: All Holy and glorious Father, our Creator God, we give you thanks because in your loving wisdom you brought all things into being, and are truly worthy of praise from every creature you have made. Again and again we have turned away from you; yet in every age your steadfast love has called us to return, to live in union with you: for it is your eternal purpose to put new life into all things and make them holy. Through your Son, Jesus Christ who took our human nature upon Him you have redeemed the world from the bondage of sin: and by the power of your Holy Spirit you have gathered a people to yourself, to make known in every place His perfect offering which He made to the glory of your Name.

Hear us, therefore, Father, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; And grant that these gifts of bread and wine may be unto us His Body and Blood. For, on the night He was betrayed He took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, He broke it and gave it to his disciples and said: "Take this and eat it: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." And after supper He took the cup of wine: and when He had given thanks, he gave it to them and said: "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." PRESIDENT: Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith. ALL: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. PRESIDENT: And so, Heavenly Father, rejoicing in His Holy Incarnation; His Blessed Passion and His Perfect Sacrifice made once for all upon the Cross; His Mighty Resurrection from the dead; His Glorious Ascension into heaven; and looking for His Coming in glory; we offer to you this Bread and this Cup. We pray that you will accept this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and grant that all who eat and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son, our great High Priest, may be renewed by your Holy Spirit, and be one Body, one Spirit, in Him. Let faith and love increase in us. Unite us with all Bishops, all other ministers of your Word and Sacraments, and with the whole people of God, living and departed, whom you have made for yourself. Confirm us in holiness, that we may be found ready to join the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Apostles, Lucy and all your saints, when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again: Forever giving you thanks and praise through Him from whom all good things do come. With Him and in Him and through Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship you, Father Almighty, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:

ALL Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER (BCP Page 144) PRESIDENT: As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray: ALL: 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 forever. Amen. THE BREAKING OF BREAD (BCP Page 145) God of promise, You have prepared a Banquet for us. ALL: Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb. The INVITATION (BCP Page 145-146) THE AGNUS DEI (BCP Page 147) Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace. DEACON: My brothers and sisters in Christ, draw near and receive His Body which He gave for you, and His Blood, which He shed for you. Remember that He died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving. ALL: Grant gracious Lord, that we so eat the flesh of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and drink His blood, that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen. THE COMMUNION

COMMUNION HYMNS: 69, 58, 196 (MP), 87 HYMN: 69 - In the bleak midwinter 1

In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone: snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: in the bleak midwinter, a stable-place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day, a breastfull of milk, and a manger full of hay: enough for him, whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air but only his mother in her maiden bliss worshipped and Belovèd with a kiss.

What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man I would do my part; yet what I can I give him give my heart

HYMN: 58 - A great and mighty wonder 1

A great and mighty wonder, a full and holy cure! The Virgin bears the Infant with virgin-honour pure: Refrain: repeat the hymn again! ‘To God on high be glory, and peace on earth to men.'

The Word becomes incarnate, and yet remains on high; and cherubim sing anthems to shepherds from the sky: Refrain

While thus they sing your Monarch, those bright angelic bands, rejoice, ye vales and mountains, ye oceans, clap your hands: Refrain

Since all he comes to ransom, by all be he adored, the infant born in Bethl'em, the Saviour and the Lord: Refrain

Hymn: 196 MP - Good Christian men rejoice 1

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Give ye heed to what we say; Jesus Christ is born today; Ox and ass before him bow, And he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath opened heaven's door, And we are blest forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all To gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

HYMN: 87 - Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn 1

Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn, Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, God Himself comes down from Heav'n. Refrain Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn, Jesus Christ today is born.

God of God, and Light from Light, Come with mercies infinite, From high heaven He comes to earth, one with us in human birth.. Refrain

God with us, Emmanuel, Deigns forever now to dwell; He on Adam's fallen race Sheds the fullness of His grace. Refrain

God comes down that we may rise, Lifted by Him to the skies; Christ is born for us that we born again in Him may be. Refrain

O renew us, Lord, we pray, With Thy Spirit day by day, That we ever one may be With the Father and with Thee. Refrain

BLESSING: 665, 82 HYMN: 665 - Once in royal David’s city 1

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that Mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the poor, and mean, and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And through all his wondrous childhood, he would honour and obey, love, and watch the lowly Maiden, in whose gentle arms he lay: Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood’s pattern, day by day like us he grew, he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew; and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love, for that Child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; where like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around.

HYMN: 82 - O little town of Bethlehem 1

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by: Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in: Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell: O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

THE DISMISSAL POST COMMUNION PRAYER

(BCP Page 148)

ALL: Eternal God and Heavenly Father, we thank you for feeding us with the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you, and all persons in you, with gladness and singleness of heart, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BLESSING: PRESIDENT: Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with His grace to trust His promises and obey His will; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. ALL:

Amen.

PRESIDENT: Kindly be seated for the Notices NOTICES & HIGHLIGHTS RECESSIONAL HYMN: 68 – Hark the herald angels sing 1

Hark! The herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! The herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

CLOSING PRAYERS PRESIDENT: Go in peace and serve the Lord. ALL: In the name of Christ. Amen. BENEDICTION: We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas And a Happy New Year! Good tidings we bring to you and your kin We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES Greetings and Welcome We greet you warmly today to our Eucharistic worship. We now invite or visitors to share your name and church community with us. Thank you for worshipping with us today. Events in our Parish Liturgies for the Christmas Season (see flyer): • 1st Sunday after Christmas • Old Years Night

December 28th December 31st

8:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m

Events of our Lives Birthdays Congratulations to all persons celebrating birthdays this week. As their days increase, God’s richest blessing on them. Anniversaries Congratulations to all persons celebrating anniversaries this week. Bereavement May all persons who have died rest in peace and rise in glory. Sick & Shut-Ins/Prayer Request Please remember the sick or injured in our parish and the wider community.

Liturgies for the Season