Christmas Day Family Service Year A

Lectionary -- Christmas Day - Year A

Isaiah 9:2-7 a son is given to us ... Prince of Peace
Psalm 96 O sing to the Lord a new song ... all the earth
Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all
Luke 2:1-20 The birth of Jesus

Or
Isaiah 52:7-10 The messenger who brings good news
Psalm 98 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things
Hebrews 1:1-4 in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son
John 1:1-14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us

Possible Hymns
(Numbers refer to The Australian Hymn Book and Sing Alleluia. TIS = Together in Song)
231 (TIS 306) Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
224 (TIS 268) Joy to the world
228 (TIS 304) O come all you faithful
225 (TIS 292) Angels from the realms of glory
242 (TIS 318) Away in a manger
227 (TIS 303) Hark! the herald angels sing
243 (TIS 317) Love came down at Christmas
246 (TIS 322) The north wind

Sermon summary, for compete sermon see Dialogue Sermon for Christmas Day

To you is born a Saviour

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." -- Luke 2:10-11

What is a "saviour"? How do you understand it -- who this baby was? Matthew says: She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. [Matthew 1:21]. The meaning of the name `Jesus' is `saviour'.

What happened long ago, through this baby born at Bethlehem, has something to do with how we live today ... but it's still hidden from most of us. God, because he cared about our relationship with him, did something to make it right again.

There is a cross in Christmas. ... being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, {8} he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. -- Philippians 2:6-8

We do lot of giving, and giving is good; but the real challenge of Christmas is to receive and to accept the gift of God.

Order of Service

The Gathering of the People of God

CALL TO WORSHIP
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! Luke 2:14

HYMN Christians, awake, salute the happy morn [verses 1,2 and 3] AHB 231 TIS 306

LIGHTING THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CANDLES
[A family group or individual comes to the table and one reads:]
After counting the weeks of Advent we have come to Christmas Day.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
[Four coloured candles are lit first and then the white candle, and reading continues.]
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

PRAYER OF ADORATION
CONFESSION
Loving God, we have not loved you with all our heart or served you with all our strength; we have been blind to the vision of a renewed world. In your mercy, Lord, pardon and restore us, that we may recover the love you have given to us in Jesus Christ. Remembering his birth, death and resurrection, we may serve you with joy all the days of our life. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. -- John 3:16
Hear then Christ's word of grace to us:
Your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

DOXOLOGY: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" Luke 2:13-14

WELCOME AND GREETING EACH OTHER

The Service of the Word

OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 9:2-6 a son is given to us ... Prince of Peace
A WORD TO THE CHILDREN: The Christmas Story.
[PSALM 96 O sing to the Lord a new song ... all the earth]
[EPISTLE Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all]
GOSPEL Luke 2:1-14 The birth of Jesus

HYMN Angels from the realms of glory AHB 235 TIS 309

DIALOGUE SERMON

HYMN 227 Hark! the herald angels sing

OFFERING [Hymns: Joy to the world (verses 1 and 2) AHB 224 TIS 268; The north wind AHB 246 TIS 322]

CANTICLE FOR CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY
Blessed are you, O Christ, our God;
you were before time began,
and came to the world to save us.
Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness;
you shine with the Father's love
and illumine the whole universe.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary;
born a child
you shared our humanity.
Blessed are you, son of David;
born to rule,
you received gifts from the wise men.
Blessed are you, Son of Man;
baptised by John,
you saved us from ourselves.
Blessed are you, heavenly King;
teaching and preaching, healing and comforting,
you proclaimed the kingdom.
With all the voices of heaven
we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the creatures on earth
we sing and dance at your birth.
Praise and glory to you, O Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
[Petitions are offered with responses]
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

THE LORD'S PRAYER
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.
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.

HYMN Let earth and heaven combine AHB 229 TIS 305

The Sending Forth of the People of God

WORD OF MISSION
To you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ, the Lord.

BLESSING
DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen.