Christmas Day

A Son is born

I, Night and early morning. II, First service. III, Second service

Sentence
      I. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:2, 6.
      II. I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11,
      III. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace. John 1:1, 14.
 
Collects
      Almighty God, you have given your only Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, being born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP Christmas Day
 
      Let us pray [that our joy in the birth of Christ will last for ever.]
      Father, you make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ our light. We welcome him as Lord, the true light of the world. Bring us to eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.   AAPB, Midnight service.
      Let us pray [that the love of Christ will be a light to the world.]
      Father, we are filled with the new light by the coming of your Word among us. May the light of faith shine in our words and actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  AAPB, During the day.
 
      I. Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth, to see the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   APBA
      II. All glory to you, gracious God, for the gift of your Son, whom you sent to save us. With the angels, let us praise your name, and tell the earth his story, that all may believe, rejoice, and proclaim your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  APBA
      III. God Most High, whose eternal Word chose a dwelling among us, that we might live in your presence: grant us a spirit of wisdom to know how rich is the glory you have given us, and how great is the hope to which we are called in the Word made flesh; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.   APBA
 
Readings
I.
      The peace of God.   Isaiah 9:1-7   9:2-7
      Heaven and earth are full of his glory.   Psalm 96  
      The grace of God has appeared.   Titus 2:11-15   2:11-14
      Today the Saviour is born.   Luke 2:1-7   2:1-14 (15-20)
II.
      Your Saviour comes.   Isaiah 62:6-12  
      Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the true of heart.   Psalm 97  
      Saved by his love.   Titus 3:1-8   3:4-7 ,   3:4-8a
      The shepherds visit the infant Jesus.   Luke 2:8-21   2:(1-7) 8-20
III.
      The salvation of our God.   Isaiah 52:7-10  
      All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.   Psalm 98  
      God speaks to us through his Son.   Hebrews 1:1-4   1:1-4 (5-12)
      The Word was made flesh.   John 1:1-13   1:1-14
 
Supplementary readings
      The mountain of the Lord.   Micah 4:1-8  
      God is love, let us love / Assurance.   1 John 4:7-12 / 4:13-21   4:7-21
 
Hymns and Spiritual Songs
 
Worship elements
Gathering Songs
 
 
Invocation
Praise
Gradual/Readings
Offertory/Prayer
Recessional
Book & #
Hymn or Chorus first line
Tunes and sources
 
Seasonal Litany
  Unveiling of the Nativity Tableau (all in place except the Wise Men)
      Today Christ is born, today the Saviour has appeared; today the angels sing on earth, the archangels rejoice; today God's people shout for joy: Glory to God in the highest!
      The Lord has made known our salvation;
          He has revealed his saving power
      Let us pray
      Father in heaven, creator of all, you order the earth and bring forth life and have crowned its goodness by creating the human family. Today the angels' message rings throughout the world: Christ our Saviour is born. Grant to us who join the shepherds in adoring the child of Bethlehem that we may learn from him the true meaning of life, the value of family life, and the way to live in peace with all people. May your light shine in our hearts, and may we see your glory, born in our midst. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Color Key and Notes
      RCL reading;
      APBA reading;
      Congregational response or refrain, AAPB/RSV;
      Subject heading, AAPB;
      Where there is a second Old Testament reading it is sequential rather than linked to the gospel;
      Hymn book and other abbreviations. See In Words and Song.

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