PSParish Support Pack CHRISTMAS · PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS ʻThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has

PSParish Support Pack

CHRISTMAS

CONTENTS

Prayers Page 2.

Prayers of the People Page 7.

Prayers of Penitence Page 10.

Prayers for the Sunday after Christmas Day Page 13.

Meditations Page 14.

The Christmas Saints Page 17.

Poetry Page 19.

Sermon sources Page 22.

[email protected] PSP Christmas 1

PRAYERS

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS ʻThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as soldiers rejoice when dividing plunder.ʼ Isaiah 9:2-3 Lord Jesus, Creator of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our Christmas preparations. We who have so much to do - seek quiet spaces to hear your voice; we who are anxious over many things - look forward to your coming among us; we who are blessed in so many ways - long for the complete joy of your kingdom; we whose hearts are heavy - seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, seeking the light – so help us to unlock the door of our hearts. And let gentleness enter in. Open the window of our souls - breathe in the season of miracles. No matter how far we have travelled, it is time to come home. Where Christmas abounds in love. Amen

Creator, during this season of waiting and watching, we draw near to you.Help us to be loving and generous with one another.Help us to remember those in need in our community.We pray this in the name of the Holy One,Whose Spirit gives courage to all. Amen.(from "Children of the Dancing Sun--Advent's Promise: Waiting in Hope", p. 47)

CHRISTMASTIDE

O God, giver of all good gifts, at this time of the giving and the receiving of gifts, help us to remember that Jesu said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. And put into our hearts that love which knows that true happiness comes from making others happy, and true wealth from sharing all we have: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

God of shepherds and sheep, thank you for tending us especially when we stray.Glory be to you and to all people on this earth. Amen

Lord God Almighty, Father of every family, against whom no door can be shut: Enter into the homes of our land, we beseech thee, with the angel of thy presence, to hallow them in pureness and beauty of love; and by thy dear Son, born in a stable, move our hearts to hear the cry of the homeless, and to convert all sordid and bitter dwellings into households of thine: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Lord Jesus, we remember that you were born into the world on the first Christmas [email protected] PSP Christmas 2

Help us to remember, that you were born in a stable and cradled in a manger, and so

keep us from coveting a wealth and a comfort an ease and a luxury which you never enjoyed.

Help us to remember, that there was no room for you in the inn, and grant that our lives may never become so crowded that there is no room in them for you.

Help us to remember, that to you there came the Shepherds and the Wise Men, and grant that learned and simple, high and humble great and small may be joined together in worshipping and in loving you.

Help us to remember that you grew up in an ordinary home, and went school, and worked in a carpenter's shop, and so grant that we may think no task too humble and too common for our hands to touch, when you, the Lord of Glory, lived amidst the common things.

Help us to remember, that you were obedient to your parents, and that you grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man, and so help us to honour our father and mother, to discipline our bodies, and to live in such a way that we will gain the respect of our fellowmen, and gladden the heart of our father in heaven.

This we ask this Christmas Sunday for your love's sake. Amen.A Christmas Prayer from Memorials upon Several Occasions

CHRISTMAS EVE

ʻTherefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.ʼ Isaiah 7:14

The Light Has ComeLord of the dawn,where your people live in darkness

let your light sweep in.

Lord of the noon,where your people are dazzled by evil


Lord of the evening,where your people fear the night


Lord of the night,where your people pray for morning


Lord of our lives,as we grow into a new year of hopes and possibilities

let your light sweep in.~Melanie Frew

CHRISTMAS DAY

ʻFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, authority rests on his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. His [email protected] PSP Christmas 3

authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David

and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and for evermore.ʼ

Merciful God,you gave us your Son on a wonderful holy night.He was in a manger,waiting for the world to acknowledge his presence.But they did not.May the star of Bethlehemmake us pure and loving to those around us,and to those who we find hard to love.Lord, hear our prayer.Jan Seaman

God our Saviour,we thank you for the birth of your only son this day.We marvel at your most precious gift to us,and cherish this new present in humble adoration.Today you have turned all our sunsets into dawns. Amen.

Loving God, You gave us your son as a baby in a manger,may his vulnerability humble us.Let us consider all children today especially those who have no parents to care for them,and pray that your love will give them hope. Amen.

O God, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.Amen

May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.Amen

Loving God,Thank you for the gift of JesusThank you for your story--a story of love for your people--a story of love for each one of us, your wondrous, unique creations.Help us to love one another.We pray, in the name of the one born in a manger. Amen.

Creator God,you sent angels to announce the coming of your child.You brought the message to shepherds in a field.We give thanks for the small baby whose birth in a manger brings new life and new love to all in the world.(from "Children of the Dancing Sun, Advent's Promise: Waiting in Hope", p. 67)

Dear God,We gather as a family,[email protected] PSP Christmas 4

Surprise us with the wonder of your story.

Prepare our hearts for your coming.We pray. Amen.

As once you came in the hush of darkness, O God,so still our hearts nowby the wonder of this night.Make us wise with the wisdom of a little one,that truth might be born afresh in us.Let not our hearts be busy inns with no room,but doors opened wide to welcome a Holy Guest,who is Jesus Christ, alive with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever. Amen.(by Robert Stark in "Voices United")

PRAYER OF ADORATION In which images from Isaiah 9:2-7 are used to reflect on our less than perfect world.

Father, Redeemer and Spirit of grace, we adore you. ou give hope to those who are yoked o the burden of injustice, oppression, loneliness, and grief:

In loving kindness you have shone a great light into the deep darkness of our world.

You give hope to those who suffer under the rod of famine and war:

In your faithfulness you have established a kingdom of endless peace.

You give hope to those whose shoulders ache under the bar of apartheid and religious persecution:

in solidarity with humanity you establish justice without end.

You give hope to those crushed by the tramping warriors f homelessness, unemployment, intolerance:

by grace you reveal to us your action for putting things right.Therefore we adore you, Holiest Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: one God, for ever and ever. Amen

POST COMMUNION PRAYERS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Prayer 1Thank you, Holy God, for feeding us by the gift of your Son, Jesus, present to us in the Bread and Wine we have shared. Make us strong and glad to carry your good tidings everywhere and to help bring your peace on the earth; we pray in Jesusʼ name. Amen.

Prayer 2Mysterious God, we thank you for feeding us with yourself; and for making yourself known to us in the holy child Jesus, the Christ. Let us carry within our hearts your Holy [email protected] PSP Christmas 5

Spirit, that same Spirit which was in Jesus, so that that we may help bring your peace to all the earth in Jesusʼ Name. Amen.

Christmas Blessings May there be harmony in all your relationships. May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelings be dissolved. May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day. May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ. May the honour given the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence. May the hope of this sacred season settle in your soul. May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land.

May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened within you. May it lead you to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted. May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather with your family and friends around the table of festivity and nourishment. May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains.

May the coming year be one of good health for you. May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind and spirit.

May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust this Luminescent Presence to guide and direct you each day.

May you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace. May you bring this peace into our world. Joyce Rupp

May our lives and our prayersbe like lights shiningin dark places.And may theBlessing of God –Father,Sonand Holy Spirit –fill our hearts and homeswith light this Christmasand in the new year to come.Christian Aid


PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

1. During the night.

Presider or deaconAs we join the angels and celebrate with joy the birth of the Son of God, let us offer prayers to God who gives new birth to sons and daughters in every place.

Deacon or other leaderBy the birth of the timeless Son of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For N our bishop and the presbyters, for the deacons and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all believers who put their trust in the incarnate Son of God.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for peace and justice.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the conversion of the whole human race to our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For travellers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, for those in prison, and for the dying and the dead. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

Remembering our most glorious and blessed Virgin Mary, N, and all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord.

PresiderSource of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May we grow in Jesus Christ who unites our lives to yours and who is Lord for all eternity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2, At dawnPresider or deaconAs we join the shepherds and celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation.

Deacon or other leaderBy the birth of the Jesus Christ in the womb of the Virgin Mary.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For N our bishop and the presbyters, for the deacons and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Glory and praise to you, O living [email protected] PSP Christmas 7





For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

Remembering our most glorious and blessed Virgin Mary, N, and all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord.

PresiderSource of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the Rising Sun of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. During the day

Presider or deaconAs we join the whole creation and celebrate with joy the Word made flesh, let us offer prayers to God who dwells among us to the end of time.

Deacon or other leaderBy the wedding of the human and divine natures in Christ Jesus.Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For N our bishop and the presbyters, for the deacons and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Glory and praise to you, O living God.





For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need.Glory and praise to you, O living God.Remembering our most glorious and blessed Virgin Mary, N, and all the saints, let us [email protected] PSP Christmas 8

offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord.

PresiderSource of grace and truth, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May we come to see the true light who shines throughout the world and who is God for all eternity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4.

These prayers are easily adapted, for example by replacing "In this holy night" by "On this holy day."

After each petition there may be silence followed by

God of love grant our prayer. or May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us.

God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your Word in our flesh. May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us.

In this holy night angels proclaimed the peace of your unconquered Sun of righteousness. Strengthen all who work for peace and justice.

In this holy night you came to us in a child cradled in a borrowed bed of straw as there was no room in the inn. Open our hearts to the needs of the homeless and the hungry.

In this holy night shepherds and outcasts heard your good news. Give us grace to spread your gospel of joy and liberation.

In this holy night we rejoice at the coming of this time of re-creation. Be with those who travel, enrich our rejoicing, and strengthen the bonds between us.

In this holy night Christians throughout the world are celebrating Christ's birth. Unite us in one family that we may shine with the one light that scatters all our darkness.

In this holy night your living Word leaped down, shedding light on all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Give strength and peace to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.

In this holy night heaven and earth embrace and in your true child you give us power to be your children. Fulfil in your love all who have gone before us in the faith. May we, like them, remain faithful to the mystery of the Word made flesh and live in your eternal light.

Hear these prayers we bring to you and fulfil your purposes in us in the name of Jesus, your incarnate Word. Amen.


PRAYERS OF PENITENCE

These Prayers of Penitence are used at the Crib.

MinisterChrist the Light of the World has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts. In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sins.

Silence is kept.

Lord of grace and truth, we confess our unworthiness to stand in your presence as your children.

We have sinned:Forgive and heal us.

The Virgin Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus. Forgive our disobedience to your will.


Your Son our Saviour was born in poverty in a manger. Forgive our greed and rejection of your ways.


The shepherds left their flocks to go to Bethlehem. Forgive our self-interest and lack of vision.


The wise men followed the star to find Jesus the King. Forgive our reluctance to seek you.


Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COLLECT

PresidentLet us pray in the peace of this Christmas celebration that our joy in the birth of Christ will last for ever.

Silence is kept.

At [email protected] PSP Christmas 10

Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: bring us, who have known the revelation of that light on earth, to see the radiance of

your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In daytimeAll praise to you, Almighty God and heavenly king, who sent your Son into the world to take our nature upon him and to be born of a pure virgin. Grant that, as we are born again in him, so he may continually dwell in us and reign on earth as he reigns in heaven with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Either two or three READINGS FROM SCRIPTURE follow, the last of which is the Gospel.

EUCHARIST OF CHRISTMAS NIGHT OR MORNING

Sit

OLD TESTAMENT READING

At the end the reader may say

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

THIS CANTICLE, or A PSALM or A HYMN may be used.

Response The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse: and a branch shall grow out of its roots,2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding,3 The spirit of counsel and might: the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.

4 He shall not judge by what his eyes see: or decide by what his ears hear,5 But with righteousness he shall judge the poor: and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.


6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb: and the leopard shall lie down with the kid,7 The calf and the young lion together: with a little child to lead them.


THE PRAYERS

Prayers of intercession are said. This form may be used.

Insertions into this form should be very brief. When used during the day, the words ʻon this holy dayʼ are substituted for ʻin this holy nightʼ[email protected] PSP Christmas 11

After each petition there is a silence followed by

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human form. Renew your Church as the body of Christ.

In this holy night Christians the world over are celebrating his birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in US today.

In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. '

In this holy night Mary in the pain of labour brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand (………. and) all who are in pain or distress today.

In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to (. . . and) all who suffer in the sadness of our world.

In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ's redemption.

In this holy night the angels sang 'Peace to God's people on earth'. Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in (. . . and in) all the world.

In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love.

In this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Keep in safety (………. and) all those who have gone through death in the hope of heaven.

In this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Blessed Mary and all the saints.

Merciful Father,accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen


PRAYERS FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

O God, our Father, we remember at this Christmas time how the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We thank you that Jesus took our human body upon him, so that we can never again dare to despise or neglect or misuse the body, since you made it your dwelling-place.

We thank you that Jesus did a day's work like any working-man, that he knew the problem of living together in a family, that he knew the frustration and irritation of serving the public, that he had to earn a living, and to face all the wearing routine of everyday work and life and living, and so clothed each common task with glory.

We thank you that he shared in all happy social occasions, that he was at home at weddings and at dinners and at festivals in the homes of simple ordinary people like ourselves. Grant that we may ever remember that in his unseen risen presence he is a guest in every home.

We thank you that he knew what friendship means, that he had his own circle of men whom he wanted to be with him, that he knew too what it means to be let down, to suffer from disloyalty and from the failure of love.

We thank you that he too had to bear unfair criticism, prejudiced opposition, malicious and deliberate misunderstanding.

We thank you that whatever happens to us, he has been there before, and that, because he himself has gone through things, he is able to help those who are going through them.

Help us never to forget that he knows life, because he lived life, and that he is with us at all times to enable us to live victoriously.

This we ask for your love's sake. Amen.


MEDITATIONS

Come, Lord Jesus. Surprise us with life that has no end, life that comes from you.

Prepared by the Mothersʼ Union Prayer and Spirituality Unit at Mary Sumner House.

MONDAYHere I wait in quiet hopethat you will come,water the field of my heart,and make your love blossom. Amen.To Wish You WellLights are lit,candles glow,Advent trees already twinklesilently – bearing gifts –awaiting their moment,in each window – reflecting,presently poised;lovingly wrappedto wish you well.So, spare timeto dream;to admire.In the stature of waiting,in the magic of wondering –Christmas mysteries unfold.Today, every day,so precious, so priceless;soon to be with us anew;prepare then the holly boughand ringing bellto welcome God, Emmanuel.Wendy Whitehead

TUESDAYShower, O heavens, from above,and let the skies rain down righteousness;let the earth open, that salvation may spring up.Isaiah 45:8

No room: An approachThe door is closed. There is no room.Our Brother Christ is born outside the inn.O God our life,you have found yourself excluded, crowded out,out to the edge of life,where folk who do not have the powerful passwordsthat open doorsstruggle to make do with almost nothing,and yet bear love and hope amid the [email protected] PSP Christmas 14

And as we, misguided,seek you where weʼd like to find you,open our eyes to the star that still shines to lead usout of our comfortable churchesout of our circle of contentmentout beyond the closed doors of our heartsto the darkness where the star will come to rest.And there,where people feel themselves redundant to requirementsunwanted at the partyleft out in the coldwe will find you, bearing lovemaking your centre at the edgeroom where there is no room.Kathy Galloway ~ Talking to the Bones (SPCK)

WEDNESDAYAt Bethlehem ReefAt Bethlehem Reef the waves are crashing,the foam is flying in the wind;that great mass of the ocean –which is always beyond us,out of our grasp,stronger and longer than us –breaks and trembles and spillson the edge.At Bethlehem Reef there is dazzling lightwhere the sun and water and rock collide;Light of angels, Light of life,Light in our darkness,Light for all who are born in our world.God of light and life and word and flesh,we do not always know your coming;we are self-absorbed, small-visioned.May we know you at Christmas.Break through to us,shake our defences,and let your ocean of loveflow across the rock and sand of daily life.Bernard Thorogood

THURSDAYThe morning of joyDonʼt hide;donʼt run,but ratherdiscover in the midst of lifea new way forward;a Christmas journeysometimes marked byfragility and tears.And on that roadto hold these handsthat even in their brokennesscreate a new tomorrow.To dance at the margins,and to [email protected] PSP Christmas 15

the face of Christwithin the beautyand complexityof our time.To be touched anewby this miracleof Christmas;God with us –enfolding our journeyson this morning of joy.Transforming our vision,healing our pain,andrenewing, in love,the slender, yet vibrant threadsof our devotion.Peter Millar, Iona CommunityWords for Today 1998 (IBRA)

FRIDAYLove came down at Christmas,Love all lovely, Love Divine;Love was born at Christmas,Stars and angels gave the sign.Worship we the Godhead,Love incarnate, Love Divine;Worship we our Jesus:But wherewith for sacred sign?Love shall be our token,Love be yours and love be mine;Love to God and all,Love for plea, and gift and sign.Sing noël.Christina G Rossetti


THE CHRISTMAS SAINTS

26th St Stephen, deacon and martyr

Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to look after the distribution of alms to the faithful and to help in the ministry of preaching. His eloquent speech before the Sanhedrin, in which he shows the great sweep of Jewish history as leading to the birth of Jesus, the long-expected Messiah, and his impassioned plea that all might hear the good news of Jesus, leads to his inevitable martyrdom by being stoned to death. The witnesses placed their clothes at the feet of Saul (afterwards Paul), who consented to his death.

Gracious Father,who gave the first martyr Stephengrace to pray for those who took up stones against him:grant that in all our sufferings for the truthwe may learn to love even our enemiesand to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt,looking up to heaven to him who was crucified for us,Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

27th St John, Apostle and Evangelist

Whether or not John the Apostle and John the Evangelist are one and the same, the Church honours on this day the one who proclaims Jesus as the Word made flesh and who is 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'. John was one of the sons of Zebedee, along with James and Peter, who followed Jesus. John was there at the Transfiguration of Jesus on the holy mountain; he was there with Jesus at the last supper; he was there with Jesus in his agony in the garden; he was there with Jesus and his mother, standing at the foot of the cross; he was there with Jesus as a witness of his resurrection and 'he saw and believed'. John was a witness to the Word, he proclaimed the Word and he lived and died witnessing to the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, who loved him and whom he loved.

Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the Church:that, being enlightened by the teachingof your blessèd apostle and evangelist Saint John,we may so walk in the light of your truththat we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life;through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, Son of God, guide and teacher of human friends, We thank you for the witness of John, Apostle and Evangelist. Help us so to read and meditate upon his life and words that we may draw closer to you day by day [email protected] PSP Christmas 17

and be worthy to proclaim the mystery of faith.

28th The Holy Innocents

ʻWhen Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under.ʼ Matthew 2:16

CollectHeavenly Father,whose children suffered at the hands of Herod,though they had done no wrong:by the suffering of your Sonand by the innocence of our livesfrustrate all evil designsand establish your reign of justice and peace;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Even as we praise you, Lord,we cannot escape the darker side of life.Is it right that we should be rejoicingin blessings receivedwhile others are engulfed in tragedy?We find it hard to understandthe suffering so many have to endure.We hold to the fact that in Jesusyou identified yourself with the weak,the helpless,and with all who endure pain or sorrow.We still cannot understandwhy the world is the way it is,but we do believe that you are calling usto play our part in carrying on the work of Jesus.Stiffen our resolve, we pray,to give help in his namewherever we have the opportunity to do so.Edmund Banyard


POETRY

Neighbours of the Christ Night

Deep in the shelter of the cave,The ass with drooping headStood weary in the shadow, whereHis master's hand had led.About the manger oxen lay,Bending a wide-eyed gazeUpon the little new-born Babe,Half worship, half amaze.High in the roof the doves were set,And cooed there, soft and mild,Yet not so sweet as, in the hay,The Mother to her Child.The gentle cows breathed fragrant breathTo keep Babe Jesus warm,While loud and clear, o'er hill and dale,The cocks crowed, "Christ is born!"Out in the fields, beneath the stars,The young lambs sleeping lay,And dreamed that in the manger sleptAnother small as they.

These were Thy neighbours, Christmas Child;To Thee their love was given,For in Thy baby face there shoneThe wonder-light of Heaven.Nora Archibald Smith

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast, His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings, But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,His hair was like a fire. (O weary, weary is the world, But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee, His hair was like a crown. And all the flowers looked up at Him, And all the stars looked down.G.K. [email protected] PSP Christmas 19

A Christmas Carol

The shepherds went their hasty way,And found the lowly stable-shedWhere the Virgin-Mother lay:And now they checked their eager tread,For to the Babe, that at her bosom clung,A Mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung.

They told her how a glorious light,Streaming from a heavenly throng.Around them shone, suspending night!While sweeter than a mother's song,Blest Angels heralded the Savior's birth,Glory to God on high! and Peace on Earth.

She listened to the tale divine,And closer still the Babe she pressed:And while she cried, the Babe is mine!The milk rushed faster to her breast:Joy rose within her, like a summer's morn;Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince of Peace is born.

Thou Mother of the Prince of Peace,Poor, simple, and of low estate!That strife should vanish, battle cease,O why should this thy soul elate? Sweet Music's loudest note, the Poet's story,Didst thou ne'er love to hear of fame and glory?

And is not War a youthful king,A stately Hero clad in mail?Beneath his footsteps laurels spring;Him Earth's majestic monarchs hailTheir friends, their playmate! and his bold bright eyeCompels the maiden's love-confessing sigh.

Tell this in some more courtly scene,To maids and youths in robes of state!I am a woman poor and mean,And wherefore is my soul elate.War is a ruffian, all with guilt defiled,That from the aged father's tears his child!

A murderous fiend, by fiends adored,He kills the sire and starves the son;The husband kills, and from her boardSteals all his widow's toil had won;Plunders God's world of beauty; rends awayAll safety from the night, all comfort from the day.

Then wisely is my soul elate,That strife should vanish, battle cease:I'm poor and of low estate, [email protected] PSP Christmas 20

The Mother of the Prince of Peace.

Joy rises in me, like a summer's morn:Peace, Peace on Earth! The Prince of Peace is born!Samuel Taylor Coleridge

A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour

I sing the birth was born tonight,The Author both of life and light;The angels so did sound it,And like the ravished shepherds said,Who saw the light, and were afraid,Yet searched, and true they found it.

The Son of God, the eternal King,That did us all salvation bring,And freed the soul from danger;He whom the whole world could not take,The Word, which heaven and earth did make,Was now laid in a manger.

The Father's wisdom willed it so,The Son's obedience knew no "No,"Both wills were in one stature;And as that wisdom had decreed,The Word was now made Flesh indeed,And took on Him our nature.

What comfort by Him do we win?Who made Himself the Prince of sin,To make us heirs of glory?To see this Babe, all innocence,A Martyr born in our defense,Can man forget this story?

- by Ben Jonson (1572-1637)


SERMON SOURCES

CHILDRENʼ S TALK

The 12 Symbols of Christmas

http://ministry-to-children.com/free-printable-christmas-book/

EPISCOPAL CHURCH SERMONS THAT WORKThe sermons in this series are in the public domain – they are not copyrighted – and all are invited to use them or draw from them as a resource. To browse the archives of sermons going back to 1995, place your cursor over the tabs at the top of this page marked "Year A," "Year B," and "Year C."

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons_that_work.htm


Documents

PSParish Support Pack CHRISTMAS · PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS ʻThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has