In the Service of Light in Christmastide (section 1) the choice of John 1.1-5 is particularly suitable, unless it is to be used as the Gospel. In Section 4, options d and e are particularly suitable, as are j (For the Blessed Virgin Mary) and f (For the New Year).
Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Therefore let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child.
But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all his people; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially in this city (town, village) of ... and diocese of ...
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children; all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.
Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are for ever one.
These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:
Our Father,
which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that 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.
May the Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.
We have come together as the family of God in our Father's presence to celebrate the festival of Christmas. In this service we hear and receive the good news of the birth of Christ, and we offer to God our thanksgiving in the joyful singing of carols.
But first we pray:
For all Christian people, that by this festival they may be renewed to fulfil Christ's work in this world; and especially for ... our Bishop and the clergy and people of this diocese;
For the world, which is already Christ's, that those who bear responsibility for its future, in politics, in industry, in commerce, and in education and communication, may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together for the establishment of justice, freedom and peace everywhere;
For all in special need, the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the fearful, and the bereaved.
We commend all whom we love, or who have asked for our prayers, to the unfailing mercy of our heavenly Father, and say together, as Christ himself taught 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. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, now and for ever. Amen. |
or | 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 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, for ever and ever. Amen. |
May the humility of the shepherds, the faith of the wise men, the joy of the angels, and the peace of the Christ Child, be God's gift to us and to all men, this Christmas and always. Amen.
Whoever does not love, does not know God
for God is love.
In this was the love of God made manifest among us
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through him.
In this is love, not that we loved God
but that he loved us.
My friends, if God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another.
For to us a child is born
to us a Son is given.
His name will be called
wonderful, counsellor, mighty God,
the everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.
The following Patterns of Readings from Chapter 1, C are suitable in Christmastide.
(3) The King and his Kingdom (Matthean)
(6) Good News for the Poor (Lukan)
(7) The Gospel of Luke
(8) Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
(9) The New Creation (Johannine)
All these Patterns of Readings are suitable for carol services as well as for vigils in Christmastide.
Patterns 3, 6 and 9 take a central theme of each of the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, and provide a Pattern of Readings which is congruent with the basic theological thrust of each Gospel.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is traditionally introduced by the Bidding Prayer (2(1)), and concluded by the Collect for Christmas Eve and the Blessing. These are printed, in the traditional form, together with the Readings in Chapter 1, C.8.
In addition to these provisions, 7 (The Gospel of Luke) presents the Lukan birth narrative arranged sequentially in seven sections.
Other patterns of readings may be contrived, but they should respect the integrity of the individual Gospel around which they are grouped.
Light has sprung up for the righteous
and joyful gladness for those who are true-hearted.
Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.
The darkness is passing away
and the true light is already shining,
the Word of Life which was from the beginning.
That which we heard, which we saw with our eyes,
and touched with our own hands,
we proclaim to you.
For our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord:
the Word of Life which was from the beginning
we proclaim to you.
You are my sons and daughters:
this day have I begotten you.
See what love the Father has given us.
As many as received him,
to them he gave power to become the children of God.
See what love the Father has given us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
See what love the Father has given us
that we should be called the children of God.
He was born of the Virgin Mary,
Revealed in his glory,
Worshipped by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed in throughout the world,
Exalted to the highest heavens.
Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May he who by his incarnation gathered into one
things earthly and heavenly,
bestow upon you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.