I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 1
Boxing Day/Tomorrow 9.30 am Service No Night Service
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 3
Day
O come, O come, Emmanuel And Ransome captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel
O come, O come, Emmanuel Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai s height, In ancient times did st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel
Day
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 11
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 12 / 2
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 13 / 3
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 14 / 6
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 O come let us adore him O come let us adore him O come let us adore him Christ the Lord! 15 / 7
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 16 / 8
O come all ye faithful (Adeste fideles) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 17 //
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 18
Reading No 1 Matthew 1:18-24a Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly. As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary.
For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded.
taken Luke 2:1-7 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be throughout the Roman Empire. (this was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David s ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him
O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 1. 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. 22 / 2
O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 4. 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. 23 //
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 24
Reading 2 Luke 2: 8-14 That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. Don t be afraid! He said. I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth! Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others the armies of heaven praising God: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favours.
Angels from the realms of Glory (Iris) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 1. Angels from the realms of Glory Wing your flight o'er all the earth; Ye who sang creation's story Now proclaim Messiah's birth. 27 / 2
Angels from the realms of Glory (Iris) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 Come. and worship Christ the new born king Come.. and worship Christ the new born king 28 / 3
Angels from the realms of Glory (Iris) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 2. Shepherds in the fields abiding Watching o'er your flocks by night God with man is now residing' Yonder shines the infant light 29 / 4
Angels from the realms of Glory (Iris) Used by Permission CCLI 56448 Come. and worship Christ the new born king Come.. and worship Christ the new born king 30 / 5
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 31
Reading 3 Luke 2: 15-20 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Come on, let s go to Bethlehem! Let s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
All who heard the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.
While shepherds watched Used by Permission CCLI 56448 1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around. 34 / 2
While shepherds watched Used by Permission CCLI 56448 2. Fear not! said he; for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind; Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind. 35 / 3
While shepherds watched Used by Permission CCLI 56448 3. To you in David's town this day Is born of David's line A Saviour who is Christ the Lord; And this shall be the sign; 36 / 4
While shepherds watched Used by Permission CCLI 56448 4. The heavenly babe you there shall find To human view displayed All meanly wrapped in swathing bands And in a manger laid. 37 / 5
While shepherds watched Used by Permission CCLI 56448 6. All glory be to God on high And to the earth be peace; Goodwill henceforth from Heaven to men Begin and never cease! 38 //
Matthew 5:14-16 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 39
Light your World 40
LIGHT YOUR WORLD Used by Permission CCLI 56448 Two doors down one rocking chair is rocking She sits there all alone, her husband dead and gone The best years of her life they spent together He was always strong, but now she's on her own And the telephone never rings No one laughs, no one sings It's quiet there Does anyone care? 41
LIGHT YOUR WORLD Light your world Let the love of God shine through In the little things you do Used by Permission CCLI 56448 42
Light your world And though your light may be Reaching only two or three Light your world 43
LIGHT YOUR WORLD Used by Permission CCLI 56448 A knocking at her door breaks the silence She looks out to see a little boy from down the street She cracks the door, surprised that he came over Flowers in his hand like a little gentleman He said, 'I picked these just for you I hope you like the colour blue Could I stay a while I love to see you smile.' 44
Light your world Let the love of God shine through In the little things you do 45
Light your world And though your light may be Reaching only two or three Light your world 46
LIGHT YOUR WORLD Used by Permission CCLI 56448 It only takes a little time To show someone how much you care It only takes a little time To answer someone's biggest prayer 47
Light your world Let the love of God shine through In the little things you do 48
Light your world And though your light may be Reaching only two or three Light your world 49
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 50
Chocolate The Christmas Story ^
Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem along a
They became tired on the journey and needed a
So Joseph decided it was time to stop for a
When they arrived at Bethlehem the only place to stay was a stable full of where the Baby Jesus was born
That night in a field near Bethlehem some shepherds where minding their sheep. It was so cold that the grass was
As they were watching their sheep they were by some angels who told them to go to Bethlehem and see this newborn King
Meanwhile, in the east there were three
or wise men who were studying the stars of the
when they saw a huge star. They first thought it might have been the planet but it wasn t. They followed the star.
When they arrived at Bethlehem they entered and presented their of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.
That night the three wise men had a
in which God warned them that King Herod was up to his old so they returned home without telling him about Jesus.
You see, Christmas is more than Santa, Reindeer and Snow
It is more than having lots and lots of food to on
We can get into so much of a trying to organise Christmas we forget what it is really about!
This Christmas we need to take some and remember that the best thing about Christmas is JESUS.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 68
Away in a manger Used by Permission CCLI 56448 1. 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. 69 / 2
Away in a manger Used by Permission CCLI 56448 2. The cattle are lowing The baby awakes But little Lord Jesus No crying he makes; I love thee Lord Jesus; Look down from the sky And stay by my side Until morning is nigh. 70 / 3
Away in a manger Used by Permission CCLI 56448 3. Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me for ever And love me I pray; Bless all the dear children In thy tender care And fit us for Heaven To live with thee there. 71 //
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 72
Reading 4 Matthew 2: 1-12 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him. Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law
Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born? he asked them. In Bethlehem, they said, for this is what the prophet wrote: O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly Village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.
Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he learned the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too! After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem.
It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But when it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Silent night! Used by Permission CCLI 56448 1. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm all is bright Round the virgin mother and child; Holy infant tender and mild Rests in heavenly peace Rests in heavenly peace. 77 / 2
Silent night! Used by Permission CCLI 56448 78 / 3
Silent night! Used by Permission CCLI 56448 3. Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star lend thy light. With the angels let us sing Hallelujahs to our King Jesus Christ is here Jesus Christ is here. 79 //
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 80
Reading 5 Luke 1: 68-79 John the Baptist s father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited his people and redeemed them. He has sent us a mighty Saviour from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant with them, the covenant he gave to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness forever. And you my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.
Isaiah 9: 2 The prophet Isaiah said: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light: on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
I have seen the Light Used by Permission CCLI 56448 I was a seeker for light in a dark world, I looked for truth but settled for lies. I had been blinded, I couldn't see Till a star in Bethlehem's sky opened my eyes.
I have seen the Light Used by Permission CCLI 56448 I have seen the Light shining in the darkness, Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn. I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus, His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!
I have seen the Light Used by Permission CCLI 56448 There in a manger, an innocent baby; Who could believe He was the One; I can believe it, I know it's true; He changed my life; He is the light; He is God's Son!
I have seen the Light Used by Permission CCLI 56448 I have seen the Light shining in the darkness, Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn. I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus, His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!
I have seen the Light Used by Permission CCLI 56448 I have seen the light of Jesus, I have seen the light of the Lord, I have seen the light of Jesus, I have seen the light, I have seen the light of the Lord.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 90
The Identification Strategy
but at least you showed up. you came here in person. that s better than being ignored.
the ILLUSION of identification
God s divine plan in bringing Jesus to Earth was to demonstrate to the whole world, once and for all, the PUREST outpouring of care and concern anyone could ever imagine
Philippians 2: 6-7 He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death and the worst kind of death at that a crucifixion.
At Christmas, we praise Jesus for walking this Earth as ONE OF US
God did not settle for the illusion of identification He came AS ONE OF US.
Jesus came as the light of the world to throw light On who God is On what God is like On what God can do
Jesus came as the light of the world to throw light On our need for God On the way to fullness of life On our purpose for living
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 104
The light has come Used by Permission CCLI 56448 105 / 2
The light has come Used by Permission CCLI 56448 106 / 3
The light has come Used by Permission CCLI 56448 107 //
"May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child. Go in peace, to love and serve, and shine your light! Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you 108 now and forever."