The Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve
St. John's Anglican Church, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
9pm, December 24th, 2023
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
9pm, December 24th, 2023
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
HYMN-SING (begins around 8:45)
#140, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
#129, No Crowded Eastern Street
#136, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
#153, Good Christians All, Rejoice
#140, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
#129, No Crowded Eastern Street
#136, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
#153, Good Christians All, Rejoice
CHORAL EUCHARIST
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude: Variations to Adeste Fideles (Raynor Taylor)
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
Opening Hymn: #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
The choir sings “Light of Light” (Joel Raney)
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.
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.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry.
May we listen, hear, and respond.
We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude: Variations to Adeste Fideles (Raynor Taylor)
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
Opening Hymn: #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
The choir sings “Light of Light” (Joel Raney)
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.
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.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
The love of heaven has come to Earth. The call of Christ begins in a baby’s cry.
May we listen, hear, and respond.
We light the Christ candle. May it light the Way.
The Collect of the Day:
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
Almighty God, as we celebrate with joy the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your
glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gloria:
We continue our worship by singing
Glory to God, 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,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
Glory to God, to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
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, receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the most high, Jesus Christ:
you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God, of God the Father, Amen, Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
Sing to the Lord and bless the divine name;
proclaim the good news of our salvation from day to day.
Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations
and the wonders of God among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols;
but it is you, O Lord, who made the heavens.
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of your presence!
Oh, the power and the splendour of your sanctuary!
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples;
ascribe to the Lord honour and power.
Ascribe to the Lord the honour due the divine name;
bring offerings and come into the courts of the Lord.
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before God.
Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord reigns!
The Lord who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved
will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it;
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord who is coming,
who is coming to judge the earth.
The Lord will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Gradual Hymn: #148, See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim.
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Say, ye humble shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth."
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says:
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith, Adapted from the Iona Community:
We believe in God above us,
maker and sustainer of all life and every life,
of sun and moon, of water and earth.
We believe in God beside us, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,
born of a woman, servant of the poor, tortured and nailed to a tree.
A man of sorrows, he died forsaken.
He descended into the earth to the place of death.
On the third day he rose from the tomb.
He ascended into heaven, to be everywhere present,
and his kingdom will come on earth.
We believe in God within us, the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire,
life-giving breath of the Church, Spirit of healing and forgiveness,
source of resurrection and of eternal life. Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by MaryEllen Finlay
Confession & Absolution
As we prepare to meet Christ at table, let us confess to God our brokenness and our need for
God’s healing grace.
God forgives and heals us.
We need your healing, merciful God:
give us true repentance.
Some sins are plain to us, some escape us,
some we cannot face.
We ask to be forgiven
through your transforming and renewing Word.
Through the resurrection of Christ, God offers us life at every moment.
Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.
God forgives you.
Therefore, forgive others; forgive yourself.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
Peace with yourself. Peace with Creation. Peace with one another.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of peace with those near to them.
Offertory Sentence
Dear siblings in Christ, you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, that, though he was rich, yet
for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might become rich.
- based on 2 Corinthians 8:9
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.
Prayer Over the Gifts:
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyous feast. May we grow up in him who
unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You
formed us in your own image: male and female you created us. When we turned away from you in sin,
you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant
with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations.
Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed
your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every
age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of you glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name,
who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you
sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to
you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he
opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those
in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given
thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is
given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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.”
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give
us life for evermore. Therefore we proclaim our hope.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer
you, Creator, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who
eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ,
our Lord.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty
Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, give us your peace.
All are welcome to receive holy communion or a blessing. Please step into the central aisle as the servers come
to you. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please stand with your hands folded. Communion bread and
wine are offered today. Gluten-free bread is available – please indicate if you would prefer it. You may receive
communion in one kind (bread only) or partake of the wine also by drinking from the common cup, touching
the base of the cup, or reverencing the cup with a small bow.
Music During Communion:
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (arr. Michael Burkhardt)
#137, What Child is This
Carol of the Crib (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)
Prayer after Communion:
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.
May your Word take life in us, so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to
us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
The Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory
to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
May Christ, who by his incarnation, gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy
and peace; and the blessing of God, our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life, be with you this night and
evermore. Amen.
Music During Candle-Lighting: Still, Still, Still (arr. Dan R. Edwards)
Closing Hymn: #119 Silent Night
With the church lights dimmed and candles lit, we sing together
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 as we prepare to depart, carrying the light of Christ within us.
Postlude: Gesu Bambino (Pietro Yon)
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
Almighty God, as we celebrate with joy the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your
glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gloria:
We continue our worship by singing
Glory to God, 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,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
Glory to God, to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
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, receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the most high, Jesus Christ:
you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God, of God the Father, Amen, Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
Sing to the Lord and bless the divine name;
proclaim the good news of our salvation from day to day.
Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations
and the wonders of God among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols;
but it is you, O Lord, who made the heavens.
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of your presence!
Oh, the power and the splendour of your sanctuary!
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples;
ascribe to the Lord honour and power.
Ascribe to the Lord the honour due the divine name;
bring offerings and come into the courts of the Lord.
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before God.
Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord reigns!
The Lord who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved
will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it;
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord who is coming,
who is coming to judge the earth.
The Lord will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Gradual Hymn: #148, See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim.
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Say, ye humble shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth."
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says:
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith, Adapted from the Iona Community:
We believe in God above us,
maker and sustainer of all life and every life,
of sun and moon, of water and earth.
We believe in God beside us, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,
born of a woman, servant of the poor, tortured and nailed to a tree.
A man of sorrows, he died forsaken.
He descended into the earth to the place of death.
On the third day he rose from the tomb.
He ascended into heaven, to be everywhere present,
and his kingdom will come on earth.
We believe in God within us, the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire,
life-giving breath of the Church, Spirit of healing and forgiveness,
source of resurrection and of eternal life. Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by MaryEllen Finlay
Confession & Absolution
As we prepare to meet Christ at table, let us confess to God our brokenness and our need for
God’s healing grace.
God forgives and heals us.
We need your healing, merciful God:
give us true repentance.
Some sins are plain to us, some escape us,
some we cannot face.
We ask to be forgiven
through your transforming and renewing Word.
Through the resurrection of Christ, God offers us life at every moment.
Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.
God forgives you.
Therefore, forgive others; forgive yourself.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
Peace with yourself. Peace with Creation. Peace with one another.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of peace with those near to them.
Offertory Sentence
Dear siblings in Christ, you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, that, though he was rich, yet
for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might become rich.
- based on 2 Corinthians 8:9
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.
Prayer Over the Gifts:
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyous feast. May we grow up in him who
unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You
formed us in your own image: male and female you created us. When we turned away from you in sin,
you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant
with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations.
Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed
your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every
age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of you glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name,
who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you
sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to
you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he
opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those
in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given
thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is
given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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.”
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give
us life for evermore. Therefore we proclaim our hope.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer
you, Creator, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who
eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ,
our Lord.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty
Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, give us your peace.
All are welcome to receive holy communion or a blessing. Please step into the central aisle as the servers come
to you. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please stand with your hands folded. Communion bread and
wine are offered today. Gluten-free bread is available – please indicate if you would prefer it. You may receive
communion in one kind (bread only) or partake of the wine also by drinking from the common cup, touching
the base of the cup, or reverencing the cup with a small bow.
Music During Communion:
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (arr. Michael Burkhardt)
#137, What Child is This
Carol of the Crib (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)
Prayer after Communion:
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.
May your Word take life in us, so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to
us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
The Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory
to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
May Christ, who by his incarnation, gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy
and peace; and the blessing of God, our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life, be with you this night and
evermore. Amen.
Music During Candle-Lighting: Still, Still, Still (arr. Dan R. Edwards)
Closing Hymn: #119 Silent Night
With the church lights dimmed and candles lit, we sing together
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 as we prepare to depart, carrying the light of Christ within us.
Postlude: Gesu Bambino (Pietro Yon)
CHORAL EUCHARIST
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude: Variations to Adeste Fideles (Raynor Taylor)
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
Opening Hymn: #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.
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude: Variations to Adeste Fideles (Raynor Taylor)
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
Opening Hymn: #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.
The Collect of the Day:
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
Almighty God, as we celebrate with joy the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gloria:
We continue our worship by singing
Glory to God, 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,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Glory to God, to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
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, receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the most high, Jesus Christ:
you alone are the most high,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God, of God the Father,
Amen, Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord,
all the whole earth.
Sing to the Lord and bless the divine name;
proclaim the good news of our salvation from day to day.
Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations
and the wonders of God among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols;
but it is you, O Lord, who made the heavens.
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of your presence!
Oh, the power and the splendour of your sanctuary!
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples;
ascribe to the Lord honour and power.
Ascribe to the Lord the honour due the divine name;
bring offerings and come into the courts of the Lord.
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before God.
Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord reigns!
The Lord who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved
will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it;
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord who is coming,
who is coming to judge the earth.
The Lord will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Gradual Hymn: #148, See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim.
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Say, ye humble shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth."
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20
All stand, as they are able.
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says,
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith:
Adapted from the Iona Community:
We believe in God above us,
maker and sustainer of all life and every life,
of sun and moon, of water and earth.
We believe in God beside us,
Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,
born of a woman, servant of the poor,
tortured and nailed to a tree.
A man of sorrows, he died forsaken.
He descended into the earth
to the place of death.
On the third day he rose from the tomb.
He ascended into heaven,
to be everywhere present,
and his kingdom will come on earth.
We believe in God within us,
the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire,
life-giving breath of the Church,
Spirit of healing and forgiveness,
source of resurrection and of eternal life.
Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by MaryEllen Finlay
Confession & Absolution
As we prepare to meet Christ at table, let us confess to God our brokenness and our need for God’s healing grace.
God forgives and heals us.
We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance.
Some sins are plain to us, some escape us, some we cannot face.
We ask to be forgiven through your transforming and renewing Word.
Through the resurrection of Christ, God offers us life at every moment.
Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.
God forgives you.
Therefore, forgive others; forgive yourself.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
Peace with yourself. Peace with Creation. Peace with one another.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of peace with those near to them.
Offertory Sentence
Dear siblings in Christ, you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, that, though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might become rich.
- based on 2 Corinthians 8:9
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.
Prayer Over the Gifts:
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyous feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You formed us in your own image: male and female you created us. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of you glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name,
who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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.”
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore. Therefore we proclaim our hope.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Creator, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, give us your peace.
All are welcome to receive holy communion or a blessing. Please step into the central aisle as the servers come to you. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please stand with your hands folded. Communion bread and wine are offered today. Gluten-free bread is available – please indicate if you would prefer it. You may receive communion in one kind (bread only) or partake of the wine also by drinking from the common cup, touching the base of the cup, or reverencing the cup with a small bow.
Music During Communion:
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (arr. Michael Burkhardt)
#137, What Child is This
Carol of the Crib (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)
Prayer after Communion:
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take life in us, so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
The Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
May Christ, who by his incarnation, gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace; and the blessing of God, our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life, be with you this night and evermore. Amen.
Music During Candle-Lighting: Still, Still, Still (arr. Dan R. Edwards)
Closing Hymn: #119 Silent Night
With the church lights dimmed and candles lit, we sing together
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 as we prepare to depart, carrying the light of Christ within us.
Postlude: Gesu Bambino (Pietro Yon)
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
Almighty God, as we celebrate with joy the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gloria:
We continue our worship by singing
Glory to God, 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,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Glory to God, to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
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, receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the most high, Jesus Christ:
you alone are the most high,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God, of God the Father,
Amen, Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord,
all the whole earth.
Sing to the Lord and bless the divine name;
proclaim the good news of our salvation from day to day.
Declare the glory of the Lord among the nations
and the wonders of God among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols;
but it is you, O Lord, who made the heavens.
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of your presence!
Oh, the power and the splendour of your sanctuary!
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples;
ascribe to the Lord honour and power.
Ascribe to the Lord the honour due the divine name;
bring offerings and come into the courts of the Lord.
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before God.
Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord reigns!
The Lord who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved
will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it;
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord who is coming,
who is coming to judge the earth.
The Lord will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Gradual Hymn: #148, See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim.
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Say, ye humble shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth."
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20
All stand, as they are able.
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says,
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith:
Adapted from the Iona Community:
We believe in God above us,
maker and sustainer of all life and every life,
of sun and moon, of water and earth.
We believe in God beside us,
Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh,
born of a woman, servant of the poor,
tortured and nailed to a tree.
A man of sorrows, he died forsaken.
He descended into the earth
to the place of death.
On the third day he rose from the tomb.
He ascended into heaven,
to be everywhere present,
and his kingdom will come on earth.
We believe in God within us,
the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire,
life-giving breath of the Church,
Spirit of healing and forgiveness,
source of resurrection and of eternal life.
Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by MaryEllen Finlay
Confession & Absolution
As we prepare to meet Christ at table, let us confess to God our brokenness and our need for God’s healing grace.
God forgives and heals us.
We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance.
Some sins are plain to us, some escape us, some we cannot face.
We ask to be forgiven through your transforming and renewing Word.
Through the resurrection of Christ, God offers us life at every moment.
Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.
God forgives you.
Therefore, forgive others; forgive yourself.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
Peace with yourself. Peace with Creation. Peace with one another.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of peace with those near to them.
Offertory Sentence
Dear siblings in Christ, you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, that, though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might become rich.
- based on 2 Corinthians 8:9
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.
Prayer Over the Gifts:
Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyous feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; for he is Lord now and for ever.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You formed us in your own image: male and female you created us. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of Hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of you glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name,
who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
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.”
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore. Therefore we proclaim our hope.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Creator, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, give us your peace.
All are welcome to receive holy communion or a blessing. Please step into the central aisle as the servers come to you. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please stand with your hands folded. Communion bread and wine are offered today. Gluten-free bread is available – please indicate if you would prefer it. You may receive communion in one kind (bread only) or partake of the wine also by drinking from the common cup, touching the base of the cup, or reverencing the cup with a small bow.
Music During Communion:
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (arr. Michael Burkhardt)
#137, What Child is This
Carol of the Crib (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)
Prayer after Communion:
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take life in us, so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
The Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
May Christ, who by his incarnation, gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace; and the blessing of God, our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life, be with you this night and evermore. Amen.
Music During Candle-Lighting: Still, Still, Still (arr. Dan R. Edwards)
Closing Hymn: #119 Silent Night
With the church lights dimmed and candles lit, we sing together
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 as we prepare to depart, carrying the light of Christ within us.
Postlude: Gesu Bambino (Pietro Yon)
We thank the participants in tonight’s service:
Greeter: Camille Herbin
Readers: Dale Hennigar & Camille Herbin
Prayers of the People: MaryEllen Finlay
Eucharistic Assistant: Jim Nelson
Counters: Mary & Murray Phillips
Thank you to members of our Sanctuary Guild and all who
prepared the church for Christmas and assisted with worship.
Greeter: Camille Herbin
Readers: Dale Hennigar & Camille Herbin
Prayers of the People: MaryEllen Finlay
Eucharistic Assistant: Jim Nelson
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
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]
