Order of Service
Organ Prelude: Chorale prelude on Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme – J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Call to Worship and Advent Liturgy
On this fourth week of Advent the new candle is for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the acceptance of God’s will and the promise of the coming Christ. We light this candle for the Lord who seeks to work in us and through us. We also light it for all who have changed the world through their dedication and self-sacrifice.
When we wait upon the Holy Spirit,
the Lord comes as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
When we trust in our God and commit ourselves to him,
the Lord comes as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
When we say to God, ‘Your will be done’,
the Lord comes as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
When we say ‘Yes’ to the call of God,
the Lord comes as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Rest in His presence and be aware of His love.
Let His presence be a light in your darkness. A candle in the dark.
[Four candles are lit]
Prayer
The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.
To you be praise and glory forever!
In the darkness of this passing age your light has shone out.
You have not forced yourself upon us, but you come if we so will it.
As we rejoice in the obedience of the blessed Virgin,
may we accept you into our lives and homes,
knowing that you have come to dwell among us.
Blessed be God for ever.
Amen.
HYMN
Of the Father’s love begotten
Text: Prudentius (348-C.413) tr. J.M. Neale (1818-66) and H.W. Baker (1821-77) altd.
Tune: Divinum mysterium – as given in Piae Cantiones, 1582
Lesson: Genesis 3: 8 – 13, 22 – 23
Lesson: Isaiah 9: 2, 6, 7
Reading: The true meaning of Christmas – M. S. Lowndes
HYMN
The Lord will come and not be slow
Text: from Psalms 82, 85, 86 para. John Milton (1608-74) altd.
Tune: St Stephen – William Jones (1726 – 1800)
Lesson: Micah 5: 2 – 4
HYMN
O little town of Bethlehem,
Text: Phillips Brooks (1835 – 93)
Tune: Forest Green – traditional melody harmonized by R. Vaughan Williams (1872 – 1958)
Lesson: Luke 1: 26 – 38
HYMN
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,
Text: Basque Carol para. S. Baring-Gould (1834 – 1924)
Tune: Gabriel’s Message – Basque traditional melody, arr. Edgar Pettmanb (1866 – 1943)
Lesson: Luke 2: 1 – 7
Reading: The story of Christmas – Doreen Sowden
HYMN
Once in royal David’s city
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander (1823 – 95)
Tune: Irby – H. J. Gauntlett (1805 – 76)
Lesson: Luke 2: 8 – 14
Reading: The work of Christmas
HYMN
It came upon the midnight clear,
Text: E. H. Sears. (1810-76)
Tune: Noel – Arthur Sullivan (1842 – 1900)
Lesson: Luke 2: 15 – 20
Reading: The holy night – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
CAROL
O little one sweet
Text: German traditional, translated by Percy Dearmer (1867 – 1936)
Tune: Old German melody, arr. Rebecca Groom te Velde (b. 1952)
Lesson: John 1: 1 – 14
Reading: Christmas – John Betjeman (extract)
HYMN
O come, all ye faithful
Text: Latin 18th cent, possibly John F. Wade (c1711-86) tr. Frederick Oakeley, altd.
Tune: Adeste fideles – possibly John F. Wade (c1711-86)
Prayer of intercession and the Lord’s prayer
HYMN
Hark! the herald angels sing
Text: Charles Wesley (1707-88) altd.
Tune: Mendelssohn – Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 47) adapted by William Cumminhgs (1831 – 1915)
Benediction
May the joy and peace of the Christmas message fill your heart and your home,
and may the light and hope of Christ be with you always.
Amen.
Organ voluntary: Postlude on Mendelssohn – David Willcocks (1919 – 2015)
Archive of Online Services