welcome to our carol service for action for children
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to our Carol Service for Action for Children
A time of quiet
A call to worship
What time is it?Have you got the right time?You’re late!I don’t have time for this;There aren’t enough hours in the day.Is it nearly time?This is a waste of time.
A call to worship
I’m having the time of my lifeI’m here!And about time too.I’m running out of time.Where has the time gone.If only I had more timeTime fliesTime drags
A call to worship
Stop! Listen to what God says!
‘Take comfort, my people.There’ll be no more punishmentfor you!That time is over.It’s time now for good things.’
Stop! Listen to what God says!
‘Take comfort, my people.There’ll be no more punishmentfor you!That time is over.It’s time now for good things.’
A call to worship
Hear a voice crying in the desert:
‘Make way for the Lord!Make Him a straight highway inthe desert.God’s glory shall shine out,And every one will see it.’
Hear a voice crying in the desert:
‘Make way for the Lord!Make Him a straight highway inthe desert.God’s glory shall shine out,And every one will see it.’
A call to worship
Once in royal David’s city
Once, in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little child.
Once in royal David’s city
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the needy, poor and lowly
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
Once in royal David’s city
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above;
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Once in royal David’s city
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
There His children gather round,
Bright like stars, with glory crowned.
Cecil F. Alexander (1818-95)
Once in royal David’s city
BethlehemBethlehem
Once in royal David’s city
A prayer
Almighty God, great Creator,We worship You.You made our world, with all its varietyOf colours, textures, tastes, smells, sounds
and shapes.You were there at the beginning when
everything came into being;When everything comes to an end, You will
also be there.
A prayer
You have made time and space,So that we can make sense of what is
around us.Almighty God, great Creator,We worship You.
A prayer
Almighty God, Living Word,We worship You.Although people turned away from You,You always had a plan to bring them home.At just the right time, You came to us in
Jesus.Like every person here,You spent months inside Your mother,Growing and developing as a human being.
A prayer
You grew to manhood, and went about doing good,
Living in a way that pleased God.You died on the cross so that we might be
forgivenAnd have a new start.You rose from the dead,And now You are alive for evermore.Almighty God, Living Word,We worship You.
A prayer
Almighty God, Holy Spirit,We Worship You.You have drawn all of us hereAnd You have something to say to us.You are the same Spirit who hovered over
the waters of creation;You are the same Spirit who guided heroes
of old;You are the same Spirit sent for all peopleOn the day of Pentecost.
A prayer
You are present with us here and now,Making this very moment special.Almighty God, Holy Spirit,We worship You.
A prayer
Almighty God, Great Creator, LivingWord, Holy Spirit,We worship You.This time is Yours;We dedicate it to You;As we listen again to the familiarChristmas story,Help us to see it through Your eyes,And wonder again at Your gift of love.
A prayer
Almighty God, Great Creator, LivingWord, Holy Spirit,We worship You.Amen
A prayer
A calendar
Isaiah 9:2,6-7
Long ago, prophets knew
Long ago, prophets knew
Christ would come, born a Jew,
Come to make all things new;
Bear His people's burden,
Freely love and pardon:
Long ago, prophets knew
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When He comes,
When He comes,
Who will make Him welcome?
Long ago, prophets knew
God in time, God in man,
This is God's timeless plan:
He will come, as a man,
Born Himself of woman,
God divinely human.
Long ago, prophets knew
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When He comes,
When He comes,
Who will make Him welcome?
Long ago, prophets knew
Mary, hail! Though afraid,
She believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid,
Till the time expected,
Nurtured and protected:
Long ago, prophets knew
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When He comes,
When He comes,
Who will make Him welcome?
Long ago, prophets knew
Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlem shines, like a star,
Stable door stands ajar.
Unborn Son of Mary,
Saviour, do not tarry!
Long ago, prophets knew
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
Jesus comes,
Jesus comes,
We will make Him welcome!
F. Pratt Green
© 1971 Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Long ago, prophets knew
Long ago, prophets knew
A pregnancy testing kit
Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady.'
Gloria!
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold:
Most highly favoured lady.'
Gloria!
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said,
'My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name':
Most highly favoured lady;
Gloria!
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
Of her, Immanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say
'Most highly favoured lady'
Gloria!
Basque Carol paraphrased by
Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
A telephone
Matthew 1:18-25
As Joseph was a-walking
As Joseph was a-walking, he heard an angel sing:
'This night shall be bornèd our heavenly King.
As Joseph was a-walking
'He neither shall be bornèd in housen nor in hall,
Nor in the place of Paradise, but in an ox's stall.
As Joseph was a-walking
'He neither shall be clothèd in purple nor in pall,
But in fair white linen, as usen babies all.
As Joseph was a-walking
'He neither shall be rockèd in silver nor in gold,
But in a wooden cradle that rocks upon the mould.
As Joseph was a-walking
'He neither shall be christenèd in white wine nor red,
But with the fair spring water with which were christenèd.'
Ancient Mysteries Described
As Joseph was a-walking
As Joseph was a-walking
An appointment card
Luke 1:39-56
Tell, out, my soul
Tell, out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
Tender to me the promise of His word;
In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
Tell, out, my soul
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name!
Make known His might, the deeds His arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy name, the Lord, the mighty One.
Tell, out, my soul
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by;
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell, out, my soul
Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word!
Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure:
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children’s children and forever more!
© 1961 Timothy Dudley-Smith
Adm Oxford University Press
Tell, out, my soul
Tell, out, my soul
A scan
Psalm 139:1-18
In the bleak midwinter
In the bleak midwinter,
Frosty wind made moan;
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow;
In the bleak midwinter,
Long ago.
In the bleak midwinter
Heaven cannot hold Him,
Nor the earth sustain,
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter
A stable-place sufficed
God, the Lord Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
In the bleak midwinter
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air.
But His mother only,
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Belovèd
With a kiss.
In the bleak midwinter
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him—
Give my heart.
Christina G. Rossetti
In the bleak midwinter
In the bleak midwinter
Something bought for the nursery
Matthew 13:55
O little town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
O little town of Bethlehem
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to all the earth!
For Christ is born of Mary;
And, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O little town of Bethlehem
How silently, how silentlyThe wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him,
still The dear Christ enters in.
O little town of Bethlehem
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in;
Be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!
Philips Brooks (1835-93)
O little town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
A bag packed for hospital
Luke 2:1-7
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes:
I love You, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask You to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Your tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with You there.
Verses 1 & 2 unknown.
Verse 3 J. T. McFarland. (c. 1906)
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Cards of congratulation
Luke 2:8-20
Hark! the herald angels sing
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Hark! the herald angels sing
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’
Hark! the herald-angels sing
Glory to the new-born King.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hark! the herald angels sing
Hail, the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace!
Hail, the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings:
Mild He lays His glory by,
Hark! the herald angels sing
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King.
Charles Wesley
Hark! the herald angels sing
Hark! the herald angels sing
Prayers for others
Lord, all time is Yours;Show us how best to use it.
Prayers for others
Dear God,Thank you for the lovely family that we have.
Please help the children that aren’t like us. Please give everyone lots of food.
Amen.
Prayer (by Amy Needham)
We thank You, Lord, not just for our family at home, but for the church family gathered around us. At this busy time, show us how to make time for one another. As we enjoy ourselves, it’s hard to remember those for whom Christmas is not a happy time. May Your church be a place where all are valued and cared for.
Lord, all time is Yours;Show us how best to use it.
Prayers for others
Dear God,Help us on this day to think about these
children in pain and all of the people who help them to live happier lives.
Amen
Prayer (by Alexandra Cooper)
We pray for all children who suffer at this time, whether from illness, or because of neglect. We pray for all charities, which, like Action for Children, work to help children and families have better lives. Be with them, and help them to keep trusting in You, even when times are difficult.
Lord, all time is Yours;Show us how best to use it.
Prayers for others
Dear God, Help protect neglected children. Give them a
safe place to stay and a respectful carer. Don’t let them get hurt through neglect. In Jesus’ name.
Amen
Prayer (by Sean Armstrong)
We pray for charities like Childline, who are often the first to hear if children are in difficulties. Give them a listening ear, and show them how to respond.
Lord, all time is Yours;Show us how best to use it.
Prayers for others
Dear God,Help us to remember to treat each other with
respect and how we would like to be treated ourselves. Thank you for our lovely families.
Amen
Prayer (by Eva Turner)
Lord, we pray for our own families at Christmas time; for those who will be with us, and for those who will be far away; for those too young to understand all the excitement, and for those who feel sad because of memories of those who are no longer with us. Help us to be patient with one another, and show us how we can put the love of Jesus at the heart of Christmas.
Lord, all time is Yours;Show us how best to use it.
Prayers for others
Dear Lord,Make sure all of the neglected children find a
new and better home. Thank you to Action for Children for making it happen.
Amen
Prayer
We bring all these prayers to You, together with the prayer given to us by the one who said ‘Let the children come to me’; even Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
Prayers for others
We say the Lord’s Prayer
We say together the prayer that Jesus gave 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.
We say the Lord’s Prayer
Forgive us our sinsAs 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.
Offering
Lord, everything that we have is Your gift.At this special time,When we remember that most precious gift
of Your Son,We bring to You our own gifts in
thankfulness.As we offer You our money,Give us grace to give You our lives as well,So that all we have and areMay be used for Your glory.Amen
Offering
O come, all ye faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels:
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, all ye faithful
True God of true God,
Light of light eternal,
Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father,
Begotten, not created:
True God of true God,
Light of light eternal,
Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father,
Begotten, not created:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, all ye faithful
See how the shepherds,
Summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither
Bend our joyful footsteps:
See how the shepherds,
Summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither
Bend our joyful footsteps:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, all ye faithful
Lo, star-led chieftains,
Magi, Christ adoring,
Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
We to the Christ-child
Bring our hearts' oblations:
Lo, star-led chieftains,
Magi, Christ adoring,
Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
We to the Christ-child
Bring our hearts' oblations:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, all ye faithful
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
‘Glory to God
In the highest’:
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
‘Glory to God
In the highest’:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
O come, all ye faithful
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be glory given:
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing:
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be glory given:
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing:
O come, all ye faithful
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80)
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80)
O come, all ye faithful
O come, all ye faithful
The Church of the Nativity, BethlehemThe Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Blessing
As we go and prepare for the coming of Jesus
Lord, all time is Yours
May we use our time wellAs we prepare for the coming of
the baby in the manger;
Blessing
And the blessing of God,Father, Son and Holy Spirit,Be upon you and remain with youThis Christmas time and always.Amen
Blessing
Blessing
These resources were produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust for Action for Children.
For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk
© 2014 IDEAS. All material is copyright, but you are welcome to make use of these resources for Action for Children services
These resources were produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust for Action for Children.
For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk
© 2014 IDEAS. All material is copyright, but you are welcome to make use of these resources for Action for Children services