Songs & Stories for Christmas Eve
St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
4pm, December 24th, 2023
All hymn numbers refer to the blue Common Praise hymnal.
4pm, December 24th, 2023
All hymn numbers refer to the blue Common Praise hymnal.
Prelude of seasonal music
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Carol: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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 hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 one of us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader: Advent, a season of four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of longing, watching,
and praying for God’s healing presence to be ever more vibrantly present in the world.
To help us pray, we light the candles of the Advent wreath to symbolize that even in the
shadows cast by suffering and sorrow, God is coming into the world. The light of God
brings hope, peace, joy and love. Tonight, we complete this circle of light by illuminating
the Christ candle.
Reader: God with us, your moment has come! In the dark of the womb you waited. Bathed in the
balm of the star, you rest. Into a world sorely in need of your light, you are born. When
you knock on our door looking for room, may we welcome you. Like the angels and
shepherds who announced your birth, call us to share your good news with all who are
weary, bewildered, or afraid.
All: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Reader: The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry. May we
listen, hear, and respond.
All: We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
Opening Prayer
Tender and precious God, from ancient times the promise of your saving grace has sustained your
people. With Mary and Joseph, teach us to treasure in our hearts the birth of Jesus, and with
shepherds and angels, lead us to rejoice with songs of praise. Amen.
The Gospel told by the people assembled in worship
At the conclusion of the Gospel, we pray:
God of all ages, in the birth of Christ your boundless love for your people shattered the power of
darkness. Be born in us with that same love and light, that our song may blend with all the choirs of
heaven and earth to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Carol: Go, Tell it on the Mountain!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The Prayers of the People
On this holy night, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s abounding love to transform a world in
pain. To the invitation ‘Light in our darkness,’ please respond,
‘Receive our prayer.’
Eternal God, on this holy night, your Son our Saviour was born as one of us. Renew your Church as
the Body of Christ.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, your Son was born in a crowded city, far from home. Protect with your love those
who have no home and all who live in poverty, remembering refugees everywhere, and all who seek
safety, shelter, and care.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who
are in pain or distress, especially those who are on our hearts and minds this Christmas season.
(You may add prayers silently or aloud)
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Sustain those who live in places
of war, especially in the land of Jesus’ birth, and strengthen those who work for peace and justice.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard glad tidings of great joy. Give us grace to hear the
voice of all Creation and the will to live in harmony with earth and sky and sea.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all
those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom, especially those in whose
memory flowers have been given. We also remember our own departed loved ones whose memories we
cherish and whose presence we miss this Christmastide.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
Open our hearts that Christ may be born in us this night. Make us one in the Spirit with all who
celebrate this holy night and accept our prayers, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offertory Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
During the hymn, the offering of the church is brought forward. Your gifts support the ongoing work of this
parish, so that people may find hope, purpose, guidance, and joy in a community striving to follow the Way
of Christ. Thank you!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive the 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 glad 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 wrongs and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as our sin is found,
far as our sin is found,
far as, far as our sin 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, wonders of his love.
Thanksgiving Over the Offering
Together let us pray,
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches
of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees
of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the magi.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from all that harms us and your creation
by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear and open hearts.
May Christmas morning make us glad to be your children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
made free in Christ to love and serve the world he came to love.
And may the blessing of God,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit,
be upon us and surround us, now and always. Amen.
(Based on A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Carol: #119 Silent Night
lights are turned out and candles are lit as we sing
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia,
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Candles are extinguished.
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Carol: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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 hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 one of us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader: Advent, a season of four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of longing, watching,
and praying for God’s healing presence to be ever more vibrantly present in the world.
To help us pray, we light the candles of the Advent wreath to symbolize that even in the
shadows cast by suffering and sorrow, God is coming into the world. The light of God
brings hope, peace, joy and love. Tonight, we complete this circle of light by illuminating
the Christ candle.
Reader: God with us, your moment has come! In the dark of the womb you waited. Bathed in the
balm of the star, you rest. Into a world sorely in need of your light, you are born. When
you knock on our door looking for room, may we welcome you. Like the angels and
shepherds who announced your birth, call us to share your good news with all who are
weary, bewildered, or afraid.
All: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Reader: The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry. May we
listen, hear, and respond.
All: We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
Opening Prayer
Tender and precious God, from ancient times the promise of your saving grace has sustained your
people. With Mary and Joseph, teach us to treasure in our hearts the birth of Jesus, and with
shepherds and angels, lead us to rejoice with songs of praise. Amen.
The Gospel told by the people assembled in worship
At the conclusion of the Gospel, we pray:
God of all ages, in the birth of Christ your boundless love for your people shattered the power of
darkness. Be born in us with that same love and light, that our song may blend with all the choirs of
heaven and earth to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Carol: Go, Tell it on the Mountain!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The Prayers of the People
On this holy night, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s abounding love to transform a world in
pain. To the invitation ‘Light in our darkness,’ please respond,
‘Receive our prayer.’
Eternal God, on this holy night, your Son our Saviour was born as one of us. Renew your Church as
the Body of Christ.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, your Son was born in a crowded city, far from home. Protect with your love those
who have no home and all who live in poverty, remembering refugees everywhere, and all who seek
safety, shelter, and care.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who
are in pain or distress, especially those who are on our hearts and minds this Christmas season.
(You may add prayers silently or aloud)
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Sustain those who live in places
of war, especially in the land of Jesus’ birth, and strengthen those who work for peace and justice.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard glad tidings of great joy. Give us grace to hear the
voice of all Creation and the will to live in harmony with earth and sky and sea.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all
those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom, especially those in whose
memory flowers have been given. We also remember our own departed loved ones whose memories we
cherish and whose presence we miss this Christmastide.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
Open our hearts that Christ may be born in us this night. Make us one in the Spirit with all who
celebrate this holy night and accept our prayers, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offertory Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
During the hymn, the offering of the church is brought forward. Your gifts support the ongoing work of this
parish, so that people may find hope, purpose, guidance, and joy in a community striving to follow the Way
of Christ. Thank you!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive the 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 glad 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 wrongs and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as our sin is found,
far as our sin is found,
far as, far as our sin 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, wonders of his love.
Thanksgiving Over the Offering
Together let us pray,
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches
of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees
of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the magi.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from all that harms us and your creation
by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear and open hearts.
May Christmas morning make us glad to be your children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
made free in Christ to love and serve the world he came to love.
And may the blessing of God,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit,
be upon us and surround us, now and always. Amen.
(Based on A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Carol: #119 Silent Night
lights are turned out and candles are lit as we sing
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia,
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Candles are extinguished.
Prelude of seasonal music
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Carol: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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 hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 one of us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader: Advent, a season of four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of longing, watching, and praying for God’s healing presence to be ever more vibrantly present in the world.
To help us pray, we light the candles of the Advent wreath to symbolize that even in the shadows cast by suffering and sorrow, God is coming into the world. The light of God brings hope, peace, joy and love. Tonight, we complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Reader: God with us, your moment has come! In the dark of the womb you waited. Bathed in the balm of the star, you rest. Into a world sorely in need of your light, you are born. When you knock on our door looking for room, may we welcome you. Like the angels and shepherds who announced your birth, call us to share your good news with all who are weary, bewildered, or afraid.
All: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Reader: The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry. May we listen, hear, and respond.
All: We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
Opening Prayer
Tender and precious God, from ancient times the promise of your saving grace has sustained your people. With Mary and Joseph, teach us to treasure in our hearts the birth of Jesus, and with shepherds and angels, lead us to rejoice with songs of praise. Amen.
The Gospel told by the people assembled in worship
At the conclusion of the Gospel, we pray:
God of all ages, in the birth of Christ your boundless love for your people shattered the power of darkness. Be born in us with that same love and light, that our song may blend with all the choirs of heaven and earth to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Carol: Go, Tell it on the Mountain!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The Prayers of the People
On this holy night, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s abounding love to transform a world in pain. To the invitation ‘Light in our darkness,’ please respond,
‘Receive our prayer.’
Eternal God, on this holy night, your Son our Saviour was born as one of us. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, your Son was born in a crowded city, far from home. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty, remembering refugees everywhere, and all who seek safety, shelter, and care.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress, especially those who are on our hearts and minds this Christmas season. (You may add prayers silently or aloud)
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Sustain those who live in places of war, especially in the land of Jesus’ birth, and strengthen those who work for peace and justice.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard glad tidings of great joy. Give us grace to hear the voice of all Creation and the will to live in harmony with earth and sky and sea.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom, especially those in whose memory flowers have been given. We also remember our own departed loved ones whose memories we cherish and whose presence we miss this Christmastide.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
Open our hearts that Christ may be born in us this night. Make us one in the Spirit with all who celebrate this holy night and accept our prayers, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offertory Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
During the hymn, the offering of the church is brought forward. Your gifts support the ongoing work of this parish, so that people may find hope, purpose, guidance, and joy in a community striving to follow the Way of Christ. Thank you!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive the 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 glad 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 wrongs and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as our sin is found,
far as our sin is found,
far as, far as our sin 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, wonders of his love.
Thanksgiving Over the Offering
Together let us pray,
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the magi.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from all that harms us and your creation by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear and open hearts.
May Christmas morning make us glad to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, made free in Christ to love and serve the world he came to love.
And may the blessing of God,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit,
be upon us and surround us,
now and always. Amen.
(Based on A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Carol: #119 Silent Night
lights are turned out and candles are lit as we sing
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia,
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Candles are extinguished.
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Carol: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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 hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 one of us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn 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 we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader: Advent, a season of four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of longing, watching, and praying for God’s healing presence to be ever more vibrantly present in the world.
To help us pray, we light the candles of the Advent wreath to symbolize that even in the shadows cast by suffering and sorrow, God is coming into the world. The light of God brings hope, peace, joy and love. Tonight, we complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Reader: God with us, your moment has come! In the dark of the womb you waited. Bathed in the balm of the star, you rest. Into a world sorely in need of your light, you are born. When you knock on our door looking for room, may we welcome you. Like the angels and shepherds who announced your birth, call us to share your good news with all who are weary, bewildered, or afraid.
All: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Reader: The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry. May we listen, hear, and respond.
All: We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
Opening Prayer
Tender and precious God, from ancient times the promise of your saving grace has sustained your people. With Mary and Joseph, teach us to treasure in our hearts the birth of Jesus, and with shepherds and angels, lead us to rejoice with songs of praise. Amen.
The Gospel told by the people assembled in worship
At the conclusion of the Gospel, we pray:
God of all ages, in the birth of Christ your boundless love for your people shattered the power of darkness. Be born in us with that same love and light, that our song may blend with all the choirs of heaven and earth to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Carol: Go, Tell it on the Mountain!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo, above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain,
that Jesus Christ is born!
The Prayers of the People
On this holy night, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s abounding love to transform a world in pain. To the invitation ‘Light in our darkness,’ please respond,
‘Receive our prayer.’
Eternal God, on this holy night, your Son our Saviour was born as one of us. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, your Son was born in a crowded city, far from home. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty, remembering refugees everywhere, and all who seek safety, shelter, and care.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress, especially those who are on our hearts and minds this Christmas season. (You may add prayers silently or aloud)
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Sustain those who live in places of war, especially in the land of Jesus’ birth, and strengthen those who work for peace and justice.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard glad tidings of great joy. Give us grace to hear the voice of all Creation and the will to live in harmony with earth and sky and sea.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom, especially those in whose memory flowers have been given. We also remember our own departed loved ones whose memories we cherish and whose presence we miss this Christmastide.
Light in our darkness,
Receive our prayer.
Open our hearts that Christ may be born in us this night. Make us one in the Spirit with all who celebrate this holy night and accept our prayers, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offertory Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
During the hymn, the offering of the church is brought forward. Your gifts support the ongoing work of this parish, so that people may find hope, purpose, guidance, and joy in a community striving to follow the Way of Christ. Thank you!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive the 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 glad 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 wrongs and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as our sin is found,
far as our sin is found,
far as, far as our sin 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, wonders of his love.
Thanksgiving Over the Offering
Together let us pray,
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the magi.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from all that harms us and your creation by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear and open hearts.
May Christmas morning make us glad to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, made free in Christ to love and serve the world he came to love.
And may the blessing of God,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit,
be upon us and surround us,
now and always. Amen.
(Based on A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Carol: #119 Silent Night
lights are turned out and candles are lit as we sing
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia,
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Candles are extinguished.
We thank the participants in tonight’s service:
Greeters: Ian & Debbie MacDonald
Candle Lighting: Anne Marie Patterson
Gospel Storytellers: Elmer Uzans & MaryEllen Finlay
Prayers of the People: Ian MacDonald
Counters: Mary & Murray Phillips
Thank you to members of our Sanctuary Guild and all who
prepared the church for Christmas and assisted with worship.
Greeters: Ian & Debbie MacDonald
Candle Lighting: Anne Marie Patterson
Gospel Storytellers: Elmer Uzans & MaryEllen Finlay
Prayers of the People: Ian MacDonald
Counters: Mary & Murray Phillips
Thank you to members of our Sanctuary Guild and all who
prepared the church for Christmas and assisted with worship.
Flowers on the Altar and in the Church for Christmas 2023 and Epiphany
are offered to the glory of God in loving memory of:
Janet & David Ross from the family
Parents and Grandson of Peter & Frances Jucker
Ernest & Teresa Amos, John & Elizabeth Thorburn, parents of Judy & Jim Amos
Bernice & Jim Muggah and Stephen Moore from the family
Donald Wells and his mother Rhoda, from Libby and family
Douglas Clarke from the family
Kay Watson from Anne
Alex & Elizabeth Coghill from the family
Patterson family: Ivan & Elizabeth, Rachael & Wilford, Dana & Garnet and John
Alethea & Robert Wright, Evan & Frances Whidden from the family
Dal Browne, Margo & Charles Eaves from the family
David Doakes from the family
Mary & Gerald Porter from the family
Florence & Richard Taylor from the family
Marion Gesner from the family
Ruth Carberry from the family
Lynn Hirch, Velma & Frank Johnson from the family
Mary (Pedie) Hopgood from the family
Anne (Jackie) Mowatt from the family
Spencer Family: Minnie & Herbert, Gerald, Richard, Charlotte & Romaine
Paul Hobson from the family
are offered to the glory of God in loving memory of:
Janet & David Ross from the family
Parents and Grandson of Peter & Frances Jucker
Ernest & Teresa Amos, John & Elizabeth Thorburn, parents of Judy & Jim Amos
Bernice & Jim Muggah and Stephen Moore from the family
Donald Wells and his mother Rhoda, from Libby and family
Douglas Clarke from the family
Kay Watson from Anne
Alex & Elizabeth Coghill from the family
Patterson family: Ivan & Elizabeth, Rachael & Wilford, Dana & Garnet and John
Alethea & Robert Wright, Evan & Frances Whidden from the family
Dal Browne, Margo & Charles Eaves from the family
David Doakes from the family
Mary & Gerald Porter from the family
Florence & Richard Taylor from the family
Marion Gesner from the family
Ruth Carberry from the family
Lynn Hirch, Velma & Frank Johnson from the family
Mary (Pedie) Hopgood from the family
Anne (Jackie) Mowatt from the family
Spencer Family: Minnie & Herbert, Gerald, Richard, Charlotte & Romaine
Paul Hobson from the family
This parish is located in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoquiyik (Maliseet) people first signed with the British Crown in 1725.
We are all treaty people.
Rector: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans (902-956-4892), [email protected]
Wardens: Cameron Finlay (902-385-4605) & Karen Padovani (902-365-2235),
[email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
We are all treaty people.
Rector: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans (902-956-4892), [email protected]
Wardens: Cameron Finlay (902-385-4605) & Karen Padovani (902-365-2235),
[email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
