1. Welcome to our Carol Service for Action for Children

2. A time of quiet

3. A call to worship

4. What time is it? Have you got the right time? You’re late! I don’t have time for this; There aren’t enough hours in the day. Is it nearly time? This is a waste of time. A call to worship

5. I’m having the time of my life I’m here! And about time too. I’m running out of time. Where has the time gone. If only I had more time Time flies Time drags A call to worship

6. Stop! Listen to what God says! ‘Take comfort, my people. There’ll be no more punishment for you! That time is over. It’s time now for good things.’ Stop! Listen to what God says! ‘Take comfort, my people. There’ll be no more punishment for you! That time is over. It’s time now for good things.’ A call to worship

7. Hear a voice crying in the desert: ‘Make way for the Lord! Make Him a straight highway in the desert. God’s glory shall shine out, And every one will see it.’ Hear a voice crying in the desert: ‘Make way for the Lord! Make Him a straight highway in the desert. God’s glory shall shine out, And every one will see it.’ A call to worship

8. Once in royal David’s city

9. Once, in royal David’s city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for His bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child. Once in royal David’s city

10. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall: With the needy, poor and lowly Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Once in royal David’s city

11. And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above; And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone. Once in royal David’s city

12. Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high; There His children gather round, Bright like stars, with glory crowned. Cecil F. Alexander (1818-95) Once in royal David’s city

13. Bethlehem Once in royal David’s city

14. A prayer

15. Almighty God, great Creator, We worship You. You made our world, with all its variety Of colours, textures, tastes, smells, sounds and shapes. You were there at the beginning when everything came into being; When everything comes to an end, You will also be there. A prayer

16. You have made time and space, So that we can make sense of what is around us. Almighty God, great Creator, We worship You. A prayer

17. Almighty God, Living Word, We worship You. Although people turned away from You, You always had a plan to bring them home. At just the right time, You came to us in Jesus. Like every person here, You spent months inside Your mother, Growing and developing as a human being. A prayer

18. You grew to manhood, and went about doing good, Living in a way that pleased God. You died on the cross so that we might be forgiven And have a new start. You rose from the dead, And now You are alive for evermore. Almighty God, Living Word, We worship You. A prayer

19. Almighty God, Holy Spirit, We Worship You. You have drawn all of us here And You have something to say to us. You are the same Spirit who hovered over the waters of creation; You are the same Spirit who guided heroes of old; You are the same Spirit sent for all people On the day of Pentecost. A prayer

20. You are present with us here and now, Making this very moment special. Almighty God, Holy Spirit, We worship You. A prayer

21. Almighty God, Great Creator, Living Word, Holy Spirit, We worship You. This time is Yours; We dedicate it to You; As we listen again to the familiar Christmas story, Help us to see it through Your eyes, And wonder again at Your gift of love. A prayer

22. Almighty God, Great Creator, Living Word, Holy Spirit, We worship You. Amen A prayer

23. A calendar

24. Isaiah 9:2,6-7

25. Long ago, prophets knew

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

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

28. 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. Long ago, prophets knew

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

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

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

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

33. 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

35. A pregnancy testing kit

36. Luke 1:26-38

37. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

38. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; 'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

39. 'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold: Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

40. Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, 'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said, 'My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name': Most highly favoured lady; Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

41. Of her, Immanuel, the Christ was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say 'Most highly favoured lady' Gloria! Basque Carol paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

43. A telephone

44. Matthew 1:18-25

45. As Joseph was a-walking

46. As Joseph was a-walking, he heard an angel sing: 'This night shall be bornèd our heavenly King. As Joseph was a-walking

47. 'He neither shall be bornèd in housen nor in hall, Nor in the place of Paradise, but in an ox's stall. As Joseph was a-walking

48. 'He neither shall be clothèd in purple nor in pall, But in fair white linen, as usen babies all. As Joseph was a-walking

49. 'He neither shall be rockèd in silver nor in gold, But in a wooden cradle that rocks upon the mould. As Joseph was a-walking

50. 'He neither shall be christenèd in white wine nor red, But with the fair spring water with which were christenèd.' Ancient Mysteries Described As Joseph was a-walking

52. An appointment card

53. Luke 1:39-56

54. Tell, out, my soul

55. 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

56. 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

57. 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

58. 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

60. A scan

61. Psalm 139:1-18

62. In the bleak midwinter

63. In the bleak midwinter, Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow; In the bleak midwinter, Long ago. In the bleak midwinter

64. Heaven cannot hold Him, Nor the earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter A stable-place sufficed God, the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ. In the bleak midwinter

65. Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air. But His mother only, In her maiden bliss, Worshipped the Belovèd With a kiss. In the bleak midwinter

66. What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him— Give my heart. Christina G. Rossetti In the bleak midwinter

68. Something bought for the nursery

69. Matthew 13:55

70. O little town of Bethlehem

71. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. O little town of Bethlehem

72. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to all the earth! For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O little town of Bethlehem

73. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in. O little town of Bethlehem

74. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today! We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel! Philips Brooks (1835-93) O little town of Bethlehem

76. A bag packed for hospital

77. Luke 2:1-7

78. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

79. 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. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

80. 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. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

81. 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

83. Cards of congratulation

84. Luke 2:8-20

85. Hark! the herald angels sing

86. Glory to the new-born King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Hark! the herald angels sing

87. Join the triumph of the skies, With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ Hark! the herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Hark! the herald angels sing

88. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hark! the herald angels sing

89. Hail, the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Hark! the herald angels sing

90. Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail, the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings: Mild He lays His glory by, Hark! the herald angels sing

91. Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Charles Wesley Hark! the herald angels sing

93. Prayers for others

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

95. 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. Prayer (by Amy Needham)

96. 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. Prayers for others

97. 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 Prayer (by Alexandra Cooper)

98. 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. Prayers for others

99. 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 Prayer (by Sean Armstrong)

100. 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. Prayers for others

101. 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 Prayer (by Eva Turner)

102. 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. Prayers for others

103. 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 Prayer

104. 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 Prayers for others

105. 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.

106. 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.

107. Offering

108. Lord, everything that we have is Your gift. At this special time, When we remember that most precious gift of Your Son, We bring to You our own gifts in thankfulness. As we offer You our money, Give us grace to give You our lives as well, So that all we have and are May be used for Your glory. Amen Offering

109. O come, all ye faithful

110. 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, 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

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

112. True God of true God, Light of light eternal, Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, Begotten, not created: 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

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

114. See how the shepherds, Summoned to His cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps: 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

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

116. Lo, star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring, Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh; We to the Christ-child Bring our hearts' oblations: 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

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

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

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

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

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

122. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

123. Blessing

124. As we go and prepare for the coming of Jesus Lord, all time is Yours May we use our time well As we prepare for the coming of the baby in the manger; Blessing

125. And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Be upon you and remain with you This Christmas time and always. Amen Blessing

126. 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 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