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Preaching Notes for Nov. 30 to Jan 4

Advent to Christmas 2

December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Lectionary
Luke 2: 1 - 14
               The first census
               To Bethlehem
               Shepherds and angels
               Glory to God ! Peace on Earth!
Ps 96        
               Sing a new song- declare His glory
               The Lord is king
               Let the sear roar - nature¹s worship
Isaiah 9: 2 - 7
               Out of darkness into light
               freedom, rescue, leadership,authority
Titus 2:11 - 14
               A new beginning
               the manifestation
               rescue from iniquity and impiety
                  
Call to Worship
     Sing a new song all the earth!
     Sing songs of rejoicing, dance to a new tune for the grace of god has overcome the burdens of the world.
     The advent of the new age is about to dawn so let
the whole of creation  dance and sing with joy.

Prayer of approach
Lord of ancient ages, God of the universe your presence in the
Christ-child we acclaim with wonder and surprise. That you, powerful and
mighty might yet express yourself in the powerless infant leaves us in awe.
Your love is beyond our full comprehension. We grasp the fringe of your
compassion and are left wondering how you can love the unlovely, the
downtrodden and the uncaring.  We cannot plumb the depth of your grace but
for the moment we acknowledge that none are excluded and we take refuge in your love.

Let the peace of forgiveness and the joy of hope transform us  that we
may worship with humility at the manger side and go to the world rejoicing.

        Fill us with new life, Lord. Amen

Prayer for others
    Hear our prayers, O Lord, for those who wait:
for those who wait in hope - for the contact with old friends
        - for the phone calls from family;
        - for the mail contact that will bridge the years;
        - for the messages of sad good-bye
        - for the news of new beginnings;
        - grant that their hopes may be realised.
We pray for those who dream of peace;
        - peace that heals old wounds;
        - peace that sets the prisoners free;
        - peace that is an end to pain;
        - peace that is the setting for new life.
We pray for those who can express their joy;
        - for children , bright faced with
expectation;
        - for young people in love;
        - for artists, musicians and the spirit people who illuminate life;
        - for families reunited.
We pray for those who share their love;
        - in family and community;
        - with unknown strangers in need;
        - with the extravagant generosity that reflects your grace.
Lord, let us be the agents of your hope, peace, joy and love at
this time.  Amen

Suggested hymns
            O come, all ye faithful
            Star child, earth child
            Silent night
            Away in a manger
            Hark the herald angels

Sermon Notes
We know it is coming  That moment of accomplishment when the bells will ring and declare that the Natal day has arrived yet there is within us the sense of anticipation. Like waiting for the train that we know will come. Anticipation is precious. Our bodies retune for the moment.
The days of preparation have brought to us the songs of Christmas, in the shops on the radio and the food of Christmas celebrations has tempted our palates. The messages from almost forgotten friends and the scramble to get it all done before Christmas.

Now there is nothing to do but wait. It is too late to paint the roof or mow the lawns; too late to spring clean the house or bake a Christmas Cake. Now all we can do is wait for the moment.

The story is probably the most familiar story in the world. Of Mary and Joseph, the donkey , the innkeeper, the stable, the baby, the shepherds and angels. Translated, embellished, retold and pictured. Yet the reality is that it hinges on the reality that God is the God of the little people of the world. A carpenter and his wife, in an unwelcoming town. Their accommodation is as good or better than many will know tonight but the smell is not a bother, the company no problem. It is here that God and humanity come into conjunction. We declare it to be the purpose of God. The divine engages with the frailty of humanity. The Logos invested in a tiny dependant child and the Almighty takes the form of a carpenter¹s son to begin a ministry of identification with you and me.

This much God loves us.

[For a charming version of the Christmas story read: Jesus Christmas Party
by Nicholas Allan - A red Fox Mini Treasure]