Welcome to the Christmas Day Online Worship 25/12/2020 of the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. This service includes some pre-recorded videos prepared by the region in addition to some YouTube videos for music. Most words are included or links to them are provided.
HYMN: “HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING”
Let us worship together, and sing if you are able, our first Carol, which is “Hark the herald angels sing” (2016 ‘Big Sing’ at Royal Albert Hall, London). The video is below and a link to YouTube is also included in case you have problems connecting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe6X7PyCKDY
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
The ‘Call to Worship’ and ‘Opening Prayers’, which are in the video below, are led by Rev. Keith Robinson. The words are underneath the video.
Welcome to the Sunday online worship for Christmas Day 2020, from the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery.
The people walking darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
And the government will be on his shoulders, and his name shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Together: Joy to world, the Lord is come!
Leader 1: We light this candle because Jesus, the light of this world has come. The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.
Light candle
Leader 2: Let us join with millions throughout the world, who will joyfully rise and proclaim this day that ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
As we begin our worship, let us also acknowledge the Wiradjuri people. They are the first inhabitants of our region, and part of God’s good creation. We honour them for their custodianship of the land, on which we live today.
Let us pray,
Come, thou-long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. We have arrived at this special day of Christmas, when we remember your birth, your incarnation, the Word becoming flesh.
Saviour and friend, remind us this day that you became one of us. You were born like us, you walked this earth like us, and you have risen from the dead as we will one day rise.
Emmanuel, God with us, remind us of your presence throughout the year, as sometimes we lose sight, we forget, and we feel alone, lost and forsaken.
Remind us of your birth, your life, your death and your resurrection, as we walk the journey of our own lives. Remind us that we do not walk this journey alone.
In the name of Christ, the Light of the World, the Incarnate God, we pray. Amen.
When Jesus was born he became like us in all things but sin. May we who have been reborn in him be free from our sinful ways.
Let us say together a confession and prayer for renewal in confidence that through Christ our sins are forgiven.
Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today: forgive us, heal us, make us new; then we will join the angels in singing your praises this Christmas Day and all the days to come, in the name Of Christ. Amen.
VIDEO: “AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS”
Watch this delightful video which tells the story of Christmas, as told by the children at St. Paul’s Church, Auckland, New Zealand. The video is below and a link to YouTube is also included in case you have problems connecting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM1XusYVqNY
BIBLE READINGS
Rev. Keith Robinson will lead us in the readings from Titus 3:4–7 & Luke 2:1–20.
REFLECTION
The speaker is Rev. Keith Robinson. There is a video of the message in the window below.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER
Go to the video below for the ‘Prayers of the people’, which are led by Ros Robinson. The video includes the Lord’s Prayer & a closing blessing by Keith.
PS. The chirping was from a genuine flesh & blood bird!
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as 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 forever. Amen.
WORD OF MISSION & BLESSING
To you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ, the Lord.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, will be with us this Christmas Day and always. Amen!
HYMN: “O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL”
The closing hymn is, “O come, all ye faithful” (2016 ‘Big Sing’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London). The video is below and a link to YouTube is also included in case you have problems connecting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSDgapVwyD0
POSTLUDE: “CAROL OF THE BELLS”
Today’s postlude is ‘Christmassy’, & also a little different. I hope you enjoy the Ukrainian “Carol of the Bells”. The video is below and a link to YouTube is also included in case you have problems connecting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBDFMD5kLvc
