Christmas Day
St. John's Anglican Church, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
10am, December 25th, 2024
Hymns are found in the blue Common Praise book in your pew.
10am, December 25th, 2024
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: to be announced
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. Tonight, 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: to be announced
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. Tonight, 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
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
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 honored 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.
Gradual Hymn: to be announced
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,
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.
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.
Offertory Hymn: to be announced
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 the mystery of faith:
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:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
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.
Music During Communion
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: to be announced
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
Following the passage, the reader says: The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
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 honored 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.
Gradual Hymn: to be announced
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,
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.
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.
Offertory Hymn: to be announced
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 the mystery of faith:
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:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
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.
Music During Communion
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: to be announced
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
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Opening Hymn: to be announced
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. Tonight, 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
Greeting and Words of Welcome
This night is the eve of the great Nativity;
born is the Son of Mary.
The soles of his feet have reached the earth;
the Son of glory comes down from on high.
Heaven and earth are united in him.
All hail! Let there be joy!
-from a Gaelic Christmas Carol
Opening Hymn: to be announced
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. Tonight, 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
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
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.
Gradual Hymn: to be announced
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:
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 Kimberly Matheson
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.
Offertory Hymn: to be announced
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 the mystery of faith:
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:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
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.
Music During Communion
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: to be announced
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
Following the passage, the reader says:
The word of the Lord.
The people respond: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96, read responsively
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.
Gradual Hymn: to be announced
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:
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 Kimberly Matheson
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.
Offertory Hymn: to be announced
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 the mystery of faith:
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:
And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Agnus Dei:
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.
Music During Communion
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: to be announced
Dismissal
Go out with joy to share the good news:
Christ the Saviour is born! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
We thank the participants in this morning's service:
Wreath Lighting: Kym Veysey & Margaret Finlay
Reader: Shirley Marston
Prayers of the People: Kimberly Matheson
Eucharistic Assistant: Kimberly Matheson
Livestream Operator: Cameron Finlay
Thank you to members of our Sanctuary Guild and all who
prepared the church for Christmas and assisted with worship.
Wreath Lighting: Kym Veysey & Margaret Finlay
Reader: Shirley Marston
Prayers of the People: Kimberly Matheson
Eucharistic Assistant: Kimberly Matheson
Livestream Operator: 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 2024 and Epiphany are offered to the glory of God in loving memory of:
Janet & David Ross from the family
Parents and Grandson of Peter & Frances Jucker
Ernest & Teresa Amos, John & Elizabeth Thorburn, parents of Judy & Jim Amos
Bernice & Jim Muggah and Stephen Moore from the family
Donald Wells and his mother Rhoda, from Libby and family
Douglas Clarke from the family
Kay Watson from Anne
Alex & Elizabeth Coghill from the family
Patterson family: Ivan & Elizabeth, Rachael & Wilford, Dana & Garnet and John
Alethea & Robert Wright, Evan & Frances Whidden from the family
Dal Browne, Margo & Charles Eaves from the family
David Doakes from the family
Mary & Gerald Porter from the family
Florence & Richard Taylor from the family
Marion Gesner from the family
Ruth Carberry from the family
Lynn Hirch, Velma & Frank Johnson from the family
Mary (Pedie) Hopgood from the family
Anne (Jackie) Mowatt from the family
Spencer Family: Minnie & Herbert, Gerald, Richard, Charlotte & Romaine
Paul Hobson from the family
Janet & David Ross from the family
Parents and Grandson of Peter & Frances Jucker
Ernest & Teresa Amos, John & Elizabeth Thorburn, parents of Judy & Jim Amos
Bernice & Jim Muggah and Stephen Moore from the family
Donald Wells and his mother Rhoda, from Libby and family
Douglas Clarke from the family
Kay Watson from Anne
Alex & Elizabeth Coghill from the family
Patterson family: Ivan & Elizabeth, Rachael & Wilford, Dana & Garnet and John
Alethea & Robert Wright, Evan & Frances Whidden from the family
Dal Browne, Margo & Charles Eaves from the family
David Doakes from the family
Mary & Gerald Porter from the family
Florence & Richard Taylor from the family
Marion Gesner from the family
Ruth Carberry from the family
Lynn Hirch, Velma & Frank Johnson from the family
Mary (Pedie) Hopgood from the family
Anne (Jackie) Mowatt from the family
Spencer Family: Minnie & Herbert, Gerald, Richard, Charlotte & Romaine
Paul Hobson from the family
This parish is located in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoquiyik (Maliseet) people first signed with the British Crown in 1725.
We are all treaty people.
Rector: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans (902-956-4892), [email protected]
Wardens: Cameron Finlay (902-385-4605) & Karen Padovani (902-365-2235),
[email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
We are all treaty people.
Rector: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans (902-956-4892), [email protected]
Wardens: Cameron Finlay (902-385-4605) & Karen Padovani (902-365-2235),
[email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
