The Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve
St. John's Anglican Church, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
9pm, December 24th, 2025
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
9pm, December 24th, 2025
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
HYMN-SING
Carols to be determined
Carols to be determined
CHORAL EUCHARIST
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude
Greeting and Words of Welcome
Opening Hymn: #118, O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3-5)
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem;
come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
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 One: Because injustice and despair threaten to overwhelm us,
we pray for hope.
Reader Two: Because so many swords have not yet been remade into ploughshares,
we pray for peace.
Reader One: Because grief and loss weigh so heavily,
we pray for joy.
Reader Two: Because hatred is still so strong and hurts people all over the world,
we pray for love.
The candles of hope, peace, joy, and love are lit.
Reader One: God has come to us as a child, to dwell with us and to walk with us.
The Christ candle at the centre of the wreath is lit.
Reader Two: May the light and the fire of these candles burn away whatever would
prevent the God of hope, peace, joy, and love from being born among us.
Reader One: Friends, be not afraid, even now — even now --
the light of Christ is illuminating the world, on earth as it is in heaven! Alleluia!
Hymn: All Creation Sings #35 Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Savior is born.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Love is a flame that burns in our heart.
Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude
Greeting and Words of Welcome
Opening Hymn: #118, O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3-5)
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem;
come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
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 One: Because injustice and despair threaten to overwhelm us,
we pray for hope.
Reader Two: Because so many swords have not yet been remade into ploughshares,
we pray for peace.
Reader One: Because grief and loss weigh so heavily,
we pray for joy.
Reader Two: Because hatred is still so strong and hurts people all over the world,
we pray for love.
The candles of hope, peace, joy, and love are lit.
Reader One: God has come to us as a child, to dwell with us and to walk with us.
The Christ candle at the centre of the wreath is lit.
Reader Two: May the light and the fire of these candles burn away whatever would
prevent the God of hope, peace, joy, and love from being born among us.
Reader One: Friends, be not afraid, even now — even now --
the light of Christ is illuminating the world, on earth as it is in heaven! Alleluia!
Hymn: All Creation Sings #35 Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Savior is born.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Love is a flame that burns in our heart.
Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
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.
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 98, read responsively
Sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvellous things,
whose mighty hand and holy arm have won the victory.
O Lord, you have made known the victory;
you have openly shown your righteousness
in the sight of the nations.
You remember your mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the earth have seen your victory, O God.
Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
praise the Lord with songs and shouts of joy!
Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps!
Blow trumpets and horns,
and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
sing, earth, and all who live on you!
Clap your hands, you rivers;
you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,
who comes to rule the earth.
The Lord will rule the peoples of the world
with justice and fairness. Alleluia!
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: #135, Shepherds in the Field Abiding
Shepherds in the field abiding,
tell us, when the seraph bright
greeted you with wondrous tiding,
what you saw and heard that night.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
We beheld (it is no fable!),
God incarnate, king of bliss,
swathed and cradled in a stable,
and the angel-strain was this:
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Choristers on high were singing
Jesus and his virgin birth,
heav'nly bells the while a-ringing
"Peace, goodwill to all on earth."
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Thanks, good shepherd, true your story;
let us go to Bethlehem.
angels hymn the king of glory;
carol we with you and them.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
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, the Nicene Creed
All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
Eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
True God from true God, begotten, not made,
Of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
By the power of the Holy Spirit
He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by Mary Phillips
Confession & Absolution
Minister: Blessed be God, the holy Trinity, whose peace passes all understanding and whose
love knows no end. Trusting in the tender mercy of God, we confess our sin and open our
hearts to receive God’s forgiveness.
Minister: God forgives and heals us.
All: 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.
Minister: 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 Hymn: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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!
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."
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: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right indeed to give you thanks most loving God, through Jesus, our Redeemer, the
firstborn from the dead, the pioneer of our salvation, who is with us always, one of us, yet from the
heart of God. For with your whole created universe, we praise you for your unfailing gift of life. We
thank you that you created us and stay with us even when we turn from you. Through Christ you
gather us new-born in your Spirit, a people after your own heart. We entrust ourselves to you, for
you alone do justice to all people, living and departed. Therefore with saints and martyrs, apostles
and prophets, with all the redeemed, joyfully we praise you:
Sanctus & Benedictus: (sung)
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.
Thanksgiving & Consecration (cont'):
Celebrant: All glory to you, Giver of life, sufficient for all creation. Accept our praises, living God, for
Jesus Christ, the one perfect offering for the world, who in the night that he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup; 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, to forgive sin. Do
this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.
Therefore, God of all creation, in the suffering and death of Jesus redeemer, we meet you in your glory.
We break the bread of life, recalling the body of Christ broken for us. We lift up the cup of salvation
and call upon your name.
All: Here and now, with this bread and wine, we celebrate your great acts of liberation and love.
Celebrant: Empower our celebration with your Holy Spirit, feed us with your life, fire us with your love,
and confront us with your justice.
All: Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, make us one in the body of Christ with all who
share your gifts of love.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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: (sung)
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:
#137, What Child is This
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
#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.
Light of Peace: Part 4, The Call (Karen Marrolli)
sung by the choir
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
Candle-Lighting:
Musical accompaniment offered by our musicians.
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.
Choral Postlude: Light of Peace: Part 5, Alleluia! (Karen Marrolli)
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.
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.
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 98, read responsively
Sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvellous things,
whose mighty hand and holy arm have won the victory.
O Lord, you have made known the victory;
you have openly shown your righteousness
in the sight of the nations.
You remember your mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the earth have seen your victory, O God.
Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
praise the Lord with songs and shouts of joy!
Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps!
Blow trumpets and horns,
and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
sing, earth, and all who live on you!
Clap your hands, you rivers;
you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,
who comes to rule the earth.
The Lord will rule the peoples of the world
with justice and fairness. Alleluia!
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: #135, Shepherds in the Field Abiding
Shepherds in the field abiding,
tell us, when the seraph bright
greeted you with wondrous tiding,
what you saw and heard that night.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
We beheld (it is no fable!),
God incarnate, king of bliss,
swathed and cradled in a stable,
and the angel-strain was this:
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Choristers on high were singing
Jesus and his virgin birth,
heav'nly bells the while a-ringing
"Peace, goodwill to all on earth."
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Thanks, good shepherd, true your story;
let us go to Bethlehem.
angels hymn the king of glory;
carol we with you and them.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
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, the Nicene Creed
All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
Eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
True God from true God, begotten, not made,
Of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
By the power of the Holy Spirit
He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People, led by Mary Phillips
Confession & Absolution
Minister: Blessed be God, the holy Trinity, whose peace passes all understanding and whose
love knows no end. Trusting in the tender mercy of God, we confess our sin and open our
hearts to receive God’s forgiveness.
Minister: God forgives and heals us.
All: 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.
Minister: 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 Hymn: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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!
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."
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: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right indeed to give you thanks most loving God, through Jesus, our Redeemer, the
firstborn from the dead, the pioneer of our salvation, who is with us always, one of us, yet from the
heart of God. For with your whole created universe, we praise you for your unfailing gift of life. We
thank you that you created us and stay with us even when we turn from you. Through Christ you
gather us new-born in your Spirit, a people after your own heart. We entrust ourselves to you, for
you alone do justice to all people, living and departed. Therefore with saints and martyrs, apostles
and prophets, with all the redeemed, joyfully we praise you:
Sanctus & Benedictus: (sung)
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.
Thanksgiving & Consecration (cont'):
Celebrant: All glory to you, Giver of life, sufficient for all creation. Accept our praises, living God, for
Jesus Christ, the one perfect offering for the world, who in the night that he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup; 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, to forgive sin. Do
this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.
Therefore, God of all creation, in the suffering and death of Jesus redeemer, we meet you in your glory.
We break the bread of life, recalling the body of Christ broken for us. We lift up the cup of salvation
and call upon your name.
All: Here and now, with this bread and wine, we celebrate your great acts of liberation and love.
Celebrant: Empower our celebration with your Holy Spirit, feed us with your life, fire us with your love,
and confront us with your justice.
All: Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, make us one in the body of Christ with all who
share your gifts of love.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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: (sung)
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:
#137, What Child is This
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
#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.
Light of Peace: Part 4, The Call (Karen Marrolli)
sung by the choir
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
Candle-Lighting:
Musical accompaniment offered by our musicians.
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.
Choral Postlude: Light of Peace: Part 5, Alleluia! (Karen Marrolli)
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.
CHORAL EUCHARIST
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude:
Greeting and Words of Welcome
Opening Hymn:
#118, O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3-5)
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye,
to Bethlehem;
come and behold him,
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens
of heaven above;
glory to God,
glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
See how the shepherds,
summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks,
draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither
bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
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 One: Because injustice and despair threaten to overwhelm us, we pray for hope.
Reader Two: Because so many swords have not yet been remade into ploughshares, we pray for peace.
Reader One: Because grief and loss weigh so heavily, we pray for joy.
Reader Two: Because hatred is still so strong and hurts people all over the world, we pray for love.
The candles of hope, peace, joy, and love are lit.
Reader One: God has come to us as a child, to dwell with us and to walk with us.
The Christ candle at the centre of the wreath is lit.
Reader Two: May the light and the fire of these candles burn away whatever would prevent the God of hope, peace, joy, and love from being born among us.
Reader One: Friends, be not afraid, even now — even now — the light of Christ is illuminating the world, on earth as it is in heaven! Alleluia!
Hymn:
All Creation Sings #35 Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Savior is born.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Love is a flame that burns in our heart.
Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
Service Music: Kilcreggan Mass Setting by Peter Nardone
Prelude:
Greeting and Words of Welcome
Opening Hymn:
#118, O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3-5)
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye,
to Bethlehem;
come and behold him,
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens
of heaven above;
glory to God,
glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
See how the shepherds,
summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks,
draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither
bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
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 One: Because injustice and despair threaten to overwhelm us, we pray for hope.
Reader Two: Because so many swords have not yet been remade into ploughshares, we pray for peace.
Reader One: Because grief and loss weigh so heavily, we pray for joy.
Reader Two: Because hatred is still so strong and hurts people all over the world, we pray for love.
The candles of hope, peace, joy, and love are lit.
Reader One: God has come to us as a child, to dwell with us and to walk with us.
The Christ candle at the centre of the wreath is lit.
Reader Two: May the light and the fire of these candles burn away whatever would prevent the God of hope, peace, joy, and love from being born among us.
Reader One: Friends, be not afraid, even now — even now — the light of Christ is illuminating the world, on earth as it is in heaven! Alleluia!
Hymn:
All Creation Sings #35 Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Savior is born.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Love is a flame that burns in our heart.
Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child
there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
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.
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 98, read responsively
Sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvellous things,
whose mighty hand and holy arm have won the victory.
O Lord, you have made known the victory;
you have openly shown your righteousness
in the sight of the nations.
You remember your mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the earth have seen your victory, O God.
Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
praise the Lord with songs and shouts of joy!
Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps!
Blow trumpets and horns,
and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
sing, earth, and all who live on you!
Clap your hands, you rivers;
you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,
who comes to rule the earth.
The Lord will rule the peoples of the world
with justice and fairness. Alleluia!
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:
#135, Shepherds in the Field Abiding
Shepherds in the field abiding,
tell us, when the seraph bright
greeted you with wondrous tiding,
what you saw and heard that night.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
We beheld (it is no fable!),
God incarnate, king of bliss,
swathed and cradled in a stable,
and the angel-strain was this:
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Choristers on high were singing
Jesus and his virgin birth,
heav'nly bells the while a-ringing
"Peace, goodwill to all on earth."
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Thanks, good shepherd, true your story;
let us go to Bethlehem.
angels hymn the king of glory;
carol we with you and them.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
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:
the Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
The Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
Of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ, The only Son of God,
Eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
True God from true God,
Begotten, not made,
Of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven:
By the power of the Holy Spirit
He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
And was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
In accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven
And is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Who with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Prayers of the People, led by Mary Phillips
Confession & Absolution
Blessed be God, the holy Trinity, whose peace passes all understanding and whose love knows no end. Trusting in the tender mercy of God, we confess our sin and open our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness.
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
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)
Let us with gladness present the offerings of our life and labour to the Lord.
Offertory Hymn: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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!
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."
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: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right indeed to give you thanks most loving God, through Jesus, our Redeemer, the firstborn from the dead, the pioneer of our salvation, who is with us always, one of us, yet from the heart of God. For with your whole created universe, we praise you for your unfailing gift of life. We thank you that you created us and stay with us even when we turn from you. Through Christ you gather us new-born in your Spirit, a people after your own heart. We entrust ourselves to you, for you alone do justice to all people, living and departed. Therefore with saints and martyrs, apostles and prophets, with all the redeemed, joyfully we praise you:
Sanctus & Benedictus - sung:
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.
Celebrant: All glory to you, Giver of life, sufficient for all creation. Accept our praises, living God, for Jesus Christ, the one perfect offering for the world, who in the night that he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup; 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, to forgive sin. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.
Therefore, God of all creation, in the suffering and death of Jesus redeemer, we meet you in your glory. We break the bread of life, recalling the body of Christ broken for us. We lift up the cup of salvation and call upon your name.
All: Here and now, with this bread and wine, we celebrate your great acts of liberation and love.
Celebrant: Empower our celebration with your Holy Spirit, feed us with your life, fire us with your love, and confront us with your justice.
All: Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, make us one in the body of Christ with all who share your gifts of love.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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: sung
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:
#137, What Child is This
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
#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.
Light of Peace: Part 4, The Call (Karen Marrolli)
sung by the choir
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
Candle-Lighting:
Musical accompaniment offered by our musicians.
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.
Choral Postlude:
Light of Peace: Part 5, Alleluia! (Karen Marrolli)
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.
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.
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 98, read responsively
Sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvellous things,
whose mighty hand and holy arm have won the victory.
O Lord, you have made known the victory;
you have openly shown your righteousness
in the sight of the nations.
You remember your mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the earth have seen your victory, O God.
Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
praise the Lord with songs and shouts of joy!
Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps!
Blow trumpets and horns,
and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
sing, earth, and all who live on you!
Clap your hands, you rivers;
you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,
who comes to rule the earth.
The Lord will rule the peoples of the world
with justice and fairness. Alleluia!
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:
#135, Shepherds in the Field Abiding
Shepherds in the field abiding,
tell us, when the seraph bright
greeted you with wondrous tiding,
what you saw and heard that night.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
We beheld (it is no fable!),
God incarnate, king of bliss,
swathed and cradled in a stable,
and the angel-strain was this:
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Choristers on high were singing
Jesus and his virgin birth,
heav'nly bells the while a-ringing
"Peace, goodwill to all on earth."
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Thanks, good shepherd, true your story;
let us go to Bethlehem.
angels hymn the king of glory;
carol we with you and them.
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
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:
the Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
The Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
Of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ, The only Son of God,
Eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
True God from true God,
Begotten, not made,
Of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven:
By the power of the Holy Spirit
He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
And was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
In accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven
And is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Who with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified.
Who has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Prayers of the People, led by Mary Phillips
Confession & Absolution
Blessed be God, the holy Trinity, whose peace passes all understanding and whose love knows no end. Trusting in the tender mercy of God, we confess our sin and open our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness.
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
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)
Let us with gladness present the offerings of our life and labour to the Lord.
Offertory Hymn: #138, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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!
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."
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: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right indeed to give you thanks most loving God, through Jesus, our Redeemer, the firstborn from the dead, the pioneer of our salvation, who is with us always, one of us, yet from the heart of God. For with your whole created universe, we praise you for your unfailing gift of life. We thank you that you created us and stay with us even when we turn from you. Through Christ you gather us new-born in your Spirit, a people after your own heart. We entrust ourselves to you, for you alone do justice to all people, living and departed. Therefore with saints and martyrs, apostles and prophets, with all the redeemed, joyfully we praise you:
Sanctus & Benedictus - sung:
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.
Celebrant: All glory to you, Giver of life, sufficient for all creation. Accept our praises, living God, for Jesus Christ, the one perfect offering for the world, who in the night that he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
After supper he took the cup; 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, to forgive sin. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.
Therefore, God of all creation, in the suffering and death of Jesus redeemer, we meet you in your glory. We break the bread of life, recalling the body of Christ broken for us. We lift up the cup of salvation and call upon your name.
All: Here and now, with this bread and wine, we celebrate your great acts of liberation and love.
Celebrant: Empower our celebration with your Holy Spirit, feed us with your life, fire us with your love, and confront us with your justice.
All: Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, make us one in the body of Christ with all who share your gifts of love.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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: sung
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:
#137, What Child is This
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
#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.
Light of Peace: Part 4, The Call (Karen Marrolli)
sung by the choir
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
Candle-Lighting:
Musical accompaniment offered by our musicians.
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.
Choral Postlude:
Light of Peace: Part 5, Alleluia! (Karen Marrolli)
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.
We thank the participants in tonight’s service:
Greeter: Camille Herbin & Michelle Mansfield
Advent Wreath Lighting: Denyse Nelson & Adam Boyd
Readers: Barry Morrison & John Whidden
Prayers of the People: Mary Phillips
Eucharistic Assistant: Jim Nelson
Livestreamer: Reid Spencer
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 & Michelle Mansfield
Advent Wreath Lighting: Denyse Nelson & Adam Boyd
Readers: Barry Morrison & John Whidden
Prayers of the People: Mary Phillips
Eucharistic Assistant: Jim Nelson
Livestreamer: Reid Spencer
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 2025 and Epiphany
are offered to the glory of God in loving memory of family and friends
are offered to the glory of God in loving memory of family and friends
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 grateful to live & worship in Mi’kma’ki,
the traditional and unceded lands and waters of the Mi’kmaq.
Wardens: Cameron Finlay (902-385-4605) & Karen Padovani (902-365-2235),
[email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
We are grateful to live & worship in Mi’kma’ki,
the traditional and unceded lands and waters of the Mi’kmaq.
