Gather at or around some Christmas focus in your home such as a wreath or a table decoration, perhaps even a tree. Light some candles. Perhaps even some incense.
Begin by ringing the St Catherine’s bells.
If you have created a Crib in your home there is a ‘blessing’ at the very bottom of this liturgy – slot that in where it suits you.
The Advent Wreath has reminded us of the coming of Christ who brings to us, HOPE and PEACE and JOY and LOVE.
Today we light the Christmas candle – the white one in the middle. Christ at the centre of our faith, at the centre of our celebrations.
Unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Opening
‘Christmas is much more than simply the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The task of the Christmas liturgy is to recall us, amid all the joyful customs and celebrations of Christmas, to this central truth of the Word made flesh for our salvation.’
taken from Common Worship
Hark, hark, the wise eternal word
like a weak infant cries !
In form of servant is the Lord
and God in cradle lies.
Carol
Readings
A Children’s Story:
The Gospel – John 1.1-14
Alleluia Alleluia. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory. Alleluia.
Reflection:
Welcome all wonders in one sight !
Eternity shut in a span.
Summer in winter, day in night,
heaven in earth and God in man.
stillness is kept
Anthem
The Collect for Christmas
24.12. Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth, to see the radiance of your heavenly glory. Amen.
25./26.12. 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. Amen.
The Intercessions for Christmas
let us pray to Jesus our Saviour:
Christ, born in a stable, give courage to all who are homeless.
Christ, for whom the angels sang, give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Savour, child of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our lives and hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. Amen.
stillness is kept as we add our own prayers
The ‘Our Father’
Our Father who art in heaven…. for ever and ever. Amen.
Carol
The Closing
When the song of the angels is stilled
When the star in the sky is gone
When the kings and princes are home
When the shepherds are back with the flock
The work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost
to heal the broken
to feed the hungry
to release the prisoner
to rebuild nations
to bring peace among people
to make music in the heart.
The Peace:
Either shared or if you live alone, received in gratitude:
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all in whom he delights.
So may God’s peace be ours this night/ day.
The Blessing:
May the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the perseverance of the wise men,
the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
and the peace of the Christ-child, be ours this Christmas.
We go in peace to proclaim the Word made flesh.
Glory and thanks and praise to God.
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory.
Carol
Crib Blessing
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that God will bless this crib and that all who worship his Son may come to share his life in glory.
God our Father, on this night/ day, your Son was born for us and for our salvation;
bless this crib which we have prepared to celebrate your holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life he came to bring. Amen.
