Christmas Day
St. John's Anglican Church, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
10am, December 25th, 2025
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
10am, December 25th, 2025
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
The Gathering of the Community
Prelude
Opening 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.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader One: 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. We complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Leader Two: Emmanuel, 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.
Leader One: Christ is born!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader Two: Christ, light of God, shine upon us.
All: Christ, light of love, shine in our hearts.
The Gathering of the Community
Prelude
Opening 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.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader One: 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. We complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Leader Two: Emmanuel, 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.
Leader One: Christ is born!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader Two: Christ, light of God, shine upon us.
All: Christ, light of love, shine in our hearts.
The Collect of the Day:
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we,
who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to
be our Ruler; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10, read by Kym Veysey
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively, led by Meg Finlay
Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing to the Lord, all the world!
Sing to the Lord, sing praises!
Proclaim every day the good news that the Lord has saved us.
Proclaim the Lord’s glory to the nations,
God’s mighty deeds to all peoples.
The Lord is great and highly to be praised;
to be honoured more than all other gods.
Bow down before the Holy One when he appears;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say to all the nations, “The Lord is king!
The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with justice.”
Be glad, earth and sky!
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
be glad, fields, and everything in you!
The trees in the woods will shout for joy
when the Lord comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.
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.
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says:
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith,
from the Church of England
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with God’s love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Jesus Christ, born in a stable,
Be with the poor and homeless this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, born of Mary,
Be with young mothers across the world this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, visited by Shepherds,
Be with all who have to work this Christmas, and those who long to work.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, who became a refugee,
Be with those who fear for their lives,
and those who have left homes and families this Christmas.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
Amen.
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.
Most merciful God,
we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ.
Amen.
People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power of the
Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
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.
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!
Prayer Over the Gifts:
God of peace, your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you. May all we offer you today renew us
as members of your household. We ask this in his name. Amen.
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 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.
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: 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:
People: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer
you, Father, 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.
People: Amen.
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:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace, grant us 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.
Prayer after Communion:
Creator of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children
welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and forever. 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
Closing Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
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.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we,
who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to
be our Ruler; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10, read by Kym Veysey
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively, led by Meg Finlay
Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing to the Lord, all the world!
Sing to the Lord, sing praises!
Proclaim every day the good news that the Lord has saved us.
Proclaim the Lord’s glory to the nations,
God’s mighty deeds to all peoples.
The Lord is great and highly to be praised;
to be honoured more than all other gods.
Bow down before the Holy One when he appears;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say to all the nations, “The Lord is king!
The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with justice.”
Be glad, earth and sky!
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
be glad, fields, and everything in you!
The trees in the woods will shout for joy
when the Lord comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.
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.
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says:
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith,
from the Church of England
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with God’s love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Jesus Christ, born in a stable,
Be with the poor and homeless this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, born of Mary,
Be with young mothers across the world this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, visited by Shepherds,
Be with all who have to work this Christmas, and those who long to work.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, who became a refugee,
Be with those who fear for their lives,
and those who have left homes and families this Christmas.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
Amen.
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.
Most merciful God,
we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another,
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do.
Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ.
Amen.
People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power of the
Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
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.
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!
Prayer Over the Gifts:
God of peace, your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you. May all we offer you today renew us
as members of your household. We ask this in his name. Amen.
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 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.
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: 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:
People: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer
you, Father, 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.
People: Amen.
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:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace, grant us 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.
Prayer after Communion:
Creator of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children
welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and forever. 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
Closing Hymn: #154, Joy to the World
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.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
Presider & Preacher: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, Rector
The Gathering of the Community
Prelude
Opening 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.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader One: 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. We complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Leader Two: Emmanuel, 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: Amen! The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Leader One: Christ is born!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader Two: Christ, light of God, shine upon us.
All: Christ, light of love, shine in our hearts.
The Gathering of the Community
Prelude
Opening 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.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Leader One: 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. We complete this circle of light by illuminating the Christ candle.
Leader Two: Emmanuel, 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: Amen! The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All four Advent candles and the central Christ candle are lit.
Leader One: Christ is born!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader Two: Christ, light of God, shine upon us.
All: Christ, light of love, shine in our hearts.
The Collect of the Day:
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Ruler; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10, read by Kym Veysey
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively, led by Meg Finlay
Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing to the Lord, all the world!
Sing to the Lord, sing praises!
Proclaim every day the good news that the Lord has saved us.
Proclaim the Lord’s glory to the nations,
God’s mighty deeds to all peoples.
The Lord is great and highly to be praised;
to be honoured more than all other gods.
Bow down before the Holy One when he appears;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say to all the nations, “The Lord is king!
The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with justice.”
Be glad, earth and sky!
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
be glad, fields, and everything in you!
The trees in the woods will shout for joy
when the Lord comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.
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.
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18
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 John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says,
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith:
from the Church of England
All are invited to rise:
We believe in God the Creator,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with God’s love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God; Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Jesus Christ, born in a stable,
Be with the poor and homeless this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, born of Mary,
Be with young mothers across the world this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, visited by Shepherds,
Be with all who have to work this Christmas, and those who long to work.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, who became a refugee,
Be with those who fear for their lives,
and those who have left homes and families this Christmas.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
Amen.
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.
Most merciful God,
we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.
People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
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.
The Celebration of the Eucharist
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.
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!
Prayer Over the Gifts:
God of peace, your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you. May all we offer you today renew us as members of your household. We ask this in his name. Amen.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
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, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he 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, Father, 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:
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:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
grant us peace, grant us 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.
Prayer after Communion:
Creator of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and forever. 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
Closing Hymn:
#154, Joy to the World
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.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray:
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Ruler; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10, read by Kym Veysey
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively, led by Meg Finlay
Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing to the Lord, all the world!
Sing to the Lord, sing praises!
Proclaim every day the good news that the Lord has saved us.
Proclaim the Lord’s glory to the nations,
God’s mighty deeds to all peoples.
The Lord is great and highly to be praised;
to be honoured more than all other gods.
Bow down before the Holy One when he appears;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say to all the nations, “The Lord is king!
The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with justice.”
Be glad, earth and sky!
Roar, sea, and every creature in you;
be glad, fields, and everything in you!
The trees in the woods will shout for joy
when the Lord comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.
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.
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18
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 John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
After the reading, the Reader says,
The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon — The Reverend Nicole Uzans
The Affirmation of Faith:
from the Church of England
All are invited to rise:
We believe in God the Creator,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with God’s love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God; Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Jesus Christ, born in a stable,
Be with the poor and homeless this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, born of Mary,
Be with young mothers across the world this Christmas time.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, visited by Shepherds,
Be with all who have to work this Christmas, and those who long to work.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
(silent prayer)
Jesus Christ, who became a refugee,
Be with those who fear for their lives,
and those who have left homes and families this Christmas.
As we pray, live and give;
shine your everlasting light.
Amen.
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.
Most merciful God,
we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.
People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace.
The Sharing of the Peace,
All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people:
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.
The Celebration of the Eucharist
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.
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!
Prayer Over the Gifts:
God of peace, your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you. May all we offer you today renew us as members of your household. We ask this in his name. Amen.
Thanksgiving & Consecration:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
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, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he 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, Father, 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:
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:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
grant us peace, grant us 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.
Prayer after Communion:
Creator of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and forever. 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
Closing Hymn:
#154, Joy to the World
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.
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
Music used for our digital service under permission of OneLicense #738879-A
Greeter: Michelle Mansfield
Musician: Helen Ackermann
Counters: Mary & Murray Phillips
Livestreamer: Cameron Finlay
Thank you to members of our Sanctuary Guild and all who
prepared the church for Christmas and assisted with worship.
Greeter: Michelle Mansfield
Musician: Helen Ackermann
Counters: Mary & Murray Phillips
Livestreamer: Cameron Finlay
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.
