Worship led by Dawn Budd
Luke 2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and 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. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
So this morning, we are not quite a host of heavenly angels, but let's open by giving God the glory
SING: Glory, glory in the highest
A while ago, this image popped up in my social media. And then this week it showed again!! I love it when God gives us signs…
(Regret unable to reproduce the picture Dawn showed us; it was of a wreath in two halves
- Headed The Season – a traditional Christmas wreath, as often displayed on front doors
- Headed The Reason - a wreath made of thorns, reminding us of the Saviour’s crucifixion.
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas, remembering everybody's presents and all the shopping we need for the Christmas period, it's fairly common for society to forget about the real reason for Christmas. I'd think most people would say Christmas is when baby Jesus was born. Not many would say "born to die for our sins".
But as Christians, we know the baby in the manger is just the start of the amazing story… .the story of miracles and suffering, ending in our salvation!
SING 409 O come let us adore Him.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The angel echoed Isaiah 43:11 “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no saviour.” PRAYER
Father, fill our hearts with the truth of the angel's words. Because of Jesus, as believers we never have to be apart from you again. Thank you for giving us the gift of your Son. Jesus, thank you for taking all of our sin by way of the cross. Thank you for walking the earth so you could understand how we feel, and comfort us the way no one else can. You truly are a joy for all people. Let us not forget the joy and peace you give us through our salvation. In your name. Amen
SING 379 Majesty, worship his majesty
Alpha 5 –video on the subject of Prayer.
Two discussion groups followed.
Notices
Next Sunday 17th December– at 10.15 our main Carol Service.
Advance reminders –
Sunday Dec 24th – 10.15 am Worship service and Breaking of Bread
Dec 25th – Christmas Day Celebration at 10.30am (for about 45 mins)