Today the Early Bird families and friends met for their service at 9.30am. A joyous time together. A video of a Nativity play performed by children in New Zealand was used, a different approach to the usual. It starts in Heaven and is a fresh look at the Nativity. It certainly affected all who watched it.
Call to Worship
Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we pray that every time a carol is sung, a Christmas greeting spoken, a nativity play performed, that your name be honoured and glorified and that hard hearts be melted to receive you afresh. Amen
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
Joy is not a commodity that can be bought or sold, but lives deep in the human spirit. Help us to hear that truth and believe it. Let go of what our consumer culture says will bring us happiness – money, success, a scramble to the top that leaves us flat.
If we have robbed others of what they need in our clamour and quest for more than our fair share, forgive us. Help us hear the call of John the Baptist to turn around and begin again. God of love, we were made in joy. May we live that way. We light a candle for joy. May it light the way.
This link will take you to the Nativity Play on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM1XusYVqNY
ADVENT HYMN 2015
Tune “The road and the miles to Dundee” (697)
- The candle that burns is our hope in Christ Jesus
It spreads in the darkness, and glows in our hearts;
Whenever our hope seems to fade and to falter
Remember this candle, and hope in our Lord.
- The candle that burns is our peace in Christ Jesus;
It spreads round the world and envelops us all;
Whenever our peace is disturbed by our sadness
Remember this candle, and peace will embrace.
- The candle that burns is our love for Christ Jesus;
It spreads from his care and embraces our lives;
Whenever our love is being tested so sorely,
Remember this candle, and love once again.
- The candle that burns is our joy in Christ Jesus;
It spreads out to others who search for this joy;
Whenever our joy is suppressed by the darkness
Remember this candle, and smile once again.
© Matthew S. Bicket 10th July 2015
Verse 5 will be sung at the Christmas Day service when we reach our journey’s end in the Stable at Bethlehem.
The Blessing
May the blessing of God fall upon you;
may the Good News of Christ’s arrival flow from you;
and may the gifts of the Spirit be the best present you receive this week.