Welcome

In the bleak mid-winter

A prayer of invocation

Lord, we are here to meet with You and worship You, A prayer of invocation Lord, we are here to meet with You and worship You, And to hear once again the story of the first Christmas. Although we may know it well, Help us to hear it afresh So that once again we can see the wonder of what You have done.

Light of the world

You stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see Light of the world Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You, Hope of a life spent with You.

Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Light of the world So here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.

Glorious in heaven above; Humbly You came To the earth You created, Light of the world King of all days, Oh so highly exalted, Glorious in heaven above; Humbly You came To the earth You created, All for love’s sake became poor.

Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Light of the world So here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.

And I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross. Light of the world And I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross. (Repeat)

Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Light of the world So here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God; And You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me. Tim Hughes © 2000 Thankyou Music

Light of the world St Ann’s Church, Jerusalem

A prayer of adoration and thanksgiving

We take a moment to pause in Your presence, A prayer of adoration and thanksgiving We take a moment to pause in Your presence, For You are an awesome and majestic God. You hold the whole world in the palm of Your hand, Yet at the same time you work quietly to fulfil Your will, By guiding and inspiring people like us, And setting us in the right time and place. For all of this we offer You our worship and praise.

Amen We thank you that all those years ago A prayer of adoration and thanksgiving We thank you that all those years ago You acted to send Jesus to live with us on Earth; That He, like us, was born into a human family And became tied to a time and a place, Teaching, healing and pointing to God as a loving Father. We thank you for Your love and grace shown in all of this. Amen

Give us today our daily bread. We say the Lord’s Prayer We say together the prayer that Jesus gave us: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.

As we forgive those who sin against us. We say the Lord’s Prayer Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Now and for ever. Amen.

The Temple, Jerusalem

Luke 1:11-15 11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

Luke 1:11-15 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.’

Ein Karem

Luke 1:59-64 59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, ‘No! He is to be called John.’ 61They said to her, ‘There is no one among your relatives who has that name.’

Luke 1:59-64 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

Long ago, prophets knew

Christ would come, born a Jew, Come to make all things new; Long ago, prophets knew Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come, born a Jew, Come to make all things new; Bear His people's burden, Freely love and pardon:

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Long ago, prophets knew Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome?

This is God's timeless plan: He will come, as a man, Long ago, prophets knew God in time, God in man, This is God's timeless plan: He will come, as a man, Born Himself of woman, God divinely human.

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Long ago, prophets knew Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome?

Mary, hail! Though afraid, She believed, she obeyed. Long ago, prophets knew Mary, hail! Though afraid, She believed, she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid, Till the time expected, Nurtured and protected:

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Long ago, prophets knew Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome?

Journey ends! Where afar Bethlem shines, like a star, Long ago, prophets knew Journey ends! Where afar Bethlem shines, like a star, Stable door stands ajar. Unborn Son of Mary, Saviour, do not tarry!

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Long ago, prophets knew Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Jesus comes, We will make Him welcome! F. Pratt Green © 1971 Stainer & Bell Ltd.

Long ago, prophets knew Ain Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist

Nazareth

Luke 1:26-38

Nazareth Village

Matthew 1:19-21 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:19-21 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’

Tell, out, my soul

Tell, out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice; Tender to me the promise of His word; In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name! Make known His might, the deeds His arm has done; His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy name, the Lord, the mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word! Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure: Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord To children’s children and forever more! © 1961 Timothy Dudley-Smith Adm Oxford University Press

Tell, out, my soul Mary’s Well, Nazareth

Jericho

Luke 2:1-5 2:In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register.

Luke 2:1-5 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Little donkey

Little donkey, little donkey, On the dusty road. Got to keep on plodding onward With your precious load.

Been a long time, little donkey, Through the winter’s night. Don’t give up now, little donkey, Bethlehem’s in sight.

Ring out those bells tonight! Bethlehem! Bethlehem! Little donkey Ring out those bells tonight! Bethlehem! Bethlehem! Follow the star tonight!

Little donkey, little donkey, Had a heavy day. Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way. Eric Boswell

Little donkey We have tried to trace the copyright owner of this song, but without success Nazareth Village

Bethlehem

Luke 2:6-7 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

It was on a starry night when the hills were bright, Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still; Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed A boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; It was on a starry night when the hills were bright And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; It was on a starry night when the hills were bright And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world.

Soon the shepherds came that way, where the baby lay, It was on a starry night when the hills were bright Soon the shepherds came that way, where the baby lay, And were kneeling, kneeling by His side. And their hearts believed again, for the peace of men; For a boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; It was on a starry night when the hills were bright And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; It was on a starry night when the hills were bright And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world. On a starry night, on a starry night Joy Webb © Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd Adm. by Song Solutions CopyCare

It was on a starry night when the hills were bright The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem

Luke 2:8-18 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:8-18 11Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Luke 2:8-18 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’

Luke 2:8-18 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’

Luke 2:8-18 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

A band of angels

The road from the East

Matthew 2:1-8 2:1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’

Matthew 2:1-8 3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written:

for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”’ Matthew 2:1-8 6‘“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”’

Matthew 2:1-8 7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Matthew 2:9-11 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

A special star, a special star

A special star, a special star It led the way to Jesus. Shone over where He lay.

A special star, a special star It led wise men to Jesus. Led them to worship Him.

A special star, a special star Shone over baby Jesus. Leads us to worship Him. Lynda Masson © The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1995 Stainer & Bell Ltd.

A special star, a special star The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

The road South

Matthew 2:13-14 13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt

Action for Children

Changed for the better (by Zoe Hutton)

Parent hater School skipper Drug taker Meal misser Run-awayer Changed for the better (by Zoe Hutton) Parent hater School skipper Drug taker Meal misser Run-awayer Help denier

Hopeless wonderer Hungry beggar Desperate loner Help seeker Changed for the better (by Zoe Hutton) Hopeless wonderer Hungry beggar Desperate loner Help seeker Action for Children

Co-operation preacher Time giver Team player Changed for the better (by Zoe Hutton) Slow learner Good listener Point taker Co-operation preacher Time giver Team player

Rule abider Hope giver Kind smiler Healthy eater Story teller Changed for the better (by Zoe Hutton) Rule abider Hope giver Kind smiler Healthy eater Story teller Perfect carer

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes: I love You, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask You to stay Away in a manger, no crib for a bed Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask You to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Your tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with You there. Verses 1 & 2 unknown. Verse 3 J. T. McFarland. (c. 1906)

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem

Offertory

At Christmas time, as we remember the birth of Jesus, Offertory At Christmas time, as we remember the birth of Jesus, We thank You for the precious gift of children. We bring these gifts thankfully to You, And ask that You will accept them, Bless them, and help us to use them, To make the lives of children better.

Prayers for others

Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it.

Prayer (by Amy Needham) Dear God, Thank you for the lovely family that we have. Please help the children that aren’t like us. Please give everyone lots of food. Amen.

Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others We thank You, Lord, not just for our family at home, but for the church family gathered around us. At this busy time, show us how to make time for one another. As we enjoy ourselves, it’s hard to remember those for whom Christmas is not a happy time. May Your church be a place where all are valued and cared for. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it.

Prayer (by Alexandra Cooper) Dear God, Help us on this day to think about these children in pain and all of the people who help them to live happier lives. Amen

Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others We pray for all children who suffer at this time, whether from illness, or because of neglect. We pray for all charities, which, like Action for Children, work to help children and families have better lives. Be with them, and help them to keep trusting in You, even when times are difficult. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it.

Prayer (by Sean Armstrong) Dear God, Help protect neglected children. Give them a safe place to stay and a respectful carer. Don’t let them get hurt through neglect. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others We pray for charities like Childline, who are often the first to hear if children are in difficulties. Give them a listening ear, and show them how to respond. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it.

Prayer (by Eva Turner) Dear God, Help us to remember to treat each other with respect and how we would like to be treated ourselves. Thank you for our lovely families. Amen

Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others Lord, we pray for our own families at Christmas time; for those who will be with us, and for those who will be far away; for those too young to understand all the excitement, and for those who feel sad because of memories of those who are no longer with us. Help us to be patient with one another, and show us how we can put the love of Jesus at the heart of Christmas. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it.

Prayer Dear Lord, Make sure all of the neglected children find a new and better home. Thank you to Action for Children for making it happen. Amen

Prayers for others We bring all these prayers to You, together with the prayer given to us by the one who said ‘Let the children come to me’; even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

O come, all ye faithful

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, O come, all ye faithful O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels:

O come, all ye faithful O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, O come, all ye faithful True God of true God, Light of light eternal, Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, Begotten, not created:

O come, all ye faithful O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither O come, all ye faithful See how the shepherds, Summoned to His cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps:

O come, all ye faithful O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Lo, star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring, O come, all ye faithful Lo, star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring, Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh; We to the Christ-child Bring our hearts' oblations:

O come, all ye faithful O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: ‘Glory to God In the highest’: O come, all ye faithful Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: ‘Glory to God In the highest’:

O come, all ye faithful O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory given: O come, all ye faithful Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory given: Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing:

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80)

O come, all ye faithful The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Blessing

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, And the love of God Blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, And the love of God And fellowship of the Holy Spirit, Be with us now and evermore. Amen.

For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk Blessing These resources were produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust for Action for Children. For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk © 2014 IDEAS. All material is copyright, but you are welcome to make use of these resources for Action for Children services