God of our days and years, we set this time apart for you.

Form us in the likeness of Christ so that our lives may glorify you. Amen.

‘Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!’ (Psalm 148:1-2)

Hymn: Ding dong merrily on high...

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3: 12-17

Let us confess our sins:

Lord of grace and truth, we confess our unworthiness to stand in your presence as your children. The Virgin Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus.

Forgive our disobedience to your will. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

Your Son our Saviour was born in poverty in a manger.

Forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

The shepherds left their flocks to go to Bethlehem.

Forgive our self-interest and lack of vision. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

The wise men followed the star to find Jesus the King.

Forgive our reluctance to seek you. We have sinned: forgive and heal us.

May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring us his pardon and peace, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the day: God in Trinity, eternal unity of perfect love: gather the nations to be one family, and draw us into your holy life through the birth of Emmanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Luke 2: 41-52

Please see the Message from the Minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord to be known to everyone:

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that this season will be a special time for all;

We pray for our planet, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive, in peace;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know God’s healing presence;

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught Peter and all of us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: The first Nowell the angel did say...

May the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.