World Peace Day, New Year's Day.

 

Happy New Year. It is World Peace Sunday.

All glory to God on high, and to the earth be peace.

Good morning, we are celebrating the arrival of the shepherds.

The Holy Bible does not tell us how many, or even if they took a lamb or sheep with them, but what we do know is they found the baby born in a manger.

Our first song is a traditional Polish Christmas carol.

Infant holy, infant lowly,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnLRxEqayl8

 New International Version Bible

Gospel of St. Luke. Chapter 2: verses 1 – 20

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while  Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

This is a made up story but it gives a feel of that night.

My name is Rebekah. My husband is Ira, we are Hebrew Jews. Ira means "watchful one", he worked late afternoons and through the night caring for sheep. Night always came quickly and the temperature would drop. Each evening my daughter and I would put on our thick shawls and take him a hamper and hot stew in a sealed pot. He would eat as soon as he received it. Then gave his daughter his blessing and we would hurry home along with other women who had taken food for the other shepherds, before the town gates were locked, the guard on the gate knew us and would watch for us returning and would close the gate once we were through. I could not help but worry with all the wild animals especially at lambing time. But I trusted God that he would keep him and his friends safe.

Ira always wished that he could worship at the synagogue, But he was not able to keep to the prayer times or to keep the sabbath holy, but he went when he could. Most weeks we went and sat with the women but the most of the priests were welcoming when he attended because they knew at the passover they would receive the best of the flock.

But I will always remember that one special morning, I had never seen Ira so excited. He told how the Angels frightened them in the middle of the night. But the words one of them uttered was so calming so peaceful he had never experienced anything like it. He and his friends were to be calm and unworried

I wondered what this meant for all people. Ira told me that the angels had sung music like he had never heard; so beautiful the words resounded he said they would stay with him for ever. I listened with awe as he sang to me “All glory to God on high, and to the earth be peace; goodwill from this time on from heaven to men, begin and never cease!’ I had never heard him sing before I know it was not as he heard, but Wow what a night.

Will the world ever be the same again, the words echoing through my mind

All glory to God on high, and to the earth be peace.

Our next carol is

While Shepherds watched their flocks by night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KpQ50adkSY

We pray for peace,

We pray for peace, but not the easy peace
built on complacency and not the truth of God.
We pray for real peace, the peace God's love alone can seal.

We pray for peace, but not the cruel peace,
leaving God's poor bereft and dying in distress,
we pray for real peace, enriching all humanity

We pray for peace, and not the evil peace,
defending unjust laws and nursing prejudice,
but for the real peace of justice, truth and brotherhood

We pray for peace, and for the sake of peace,
look to the Jesus Christ who gives the grace we need,
to serve the cause of peace and make our own self-sacrifice.

God, give us peace: if you withdraw your love,
there is no peace for us Nor any hope of it.
With you to lead us on, through death or tumult, peace will come.

Alan Gaunt 1935-

Lord God, not every region on earth is the same. In some areas, war is all they have ever known. Their lives and families have been torn apart by the hellish ravages of war. Lord, I pray that You intervene by Your mighty power. Grant understanding where there is none.

Lord Jesus, You came that the world might know the peace that You have experienced with the Father eternally. Yet, You taught us that in this life there will be wars and rumours of wars. Nations will rise against nations as violence works itself out in the world. However, through You, the world may be saved. O Lord, send Your spirit into the hearts of all people, that the world might know true peace through Your abundant mercy. Amen.

Holy Spirit by your power we pray for those who have never listened to the message of Christ’s birth we pray for those who have winter but no Christmas bringing them peace on earth, sent to them joyful tidings by all people in each home May they praise God and know that Christ has come.

Our next carol is

Cradled in a manger meanly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqeXbhwI7qE

Gospel of St. John Chapter 14: 21 - 27  (Amplified Bible )

 21 The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, what has happened that You are going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him. 24 One who does not [really] love Me does not keep My words. And the word (teaching) which you hear is not Mine, but is the Father’s who sent Me. 25 “I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

our next song is:

Let there be love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mvs6rMJuwc

Poem. This we can do By Brian Wren

This we can do for justice and for peace: be still, with time to pray

and heed the prayers that other people say.

This we can do, for Christ was born for us

revealing God, whose gracious, winning love awakens a deep desire

to do what we can do, and see it through.

This we can do for justice and for peace: reach out, and gladly give,

that others too may eat, and laugh, and live.

This we can do, for Christ, with wine and bread,

brings food to satisfy us all and lifts our thankful hearts

to do what we can do, and see it through.

This we can do for justice and for peace: sing out, and shed our fear,

when angry foes abuse and domineer.

This we can do, for Christ, unjustly killed,

arises over governments and powers, and gives us peaceful strength

to do what we can do, and see it through.

This we can do for justice and for peace press on, and keep in view

a dream of peace on earth, and all things new.

This we can do, for Christ, alive in God,

from God's tomorrow touches us with hope, and gives us faith renewed,

to do what we can do, and see it through.

Lord we pray for peace from the tempest, peace from war.

Peace from home abuse, peace from mental torment, peace from life of stress. Peace from the strife of illness. fill us with Peace that passes all understanding

Christmas – Peace.

P. is for Praise of God

E. is for Emmanuel God is with us.

A. is for Angels voices singing

C. is for Christ born to live in us.

E. is for the gift of Eternal life, and peace .

S. Youdan. 1959 -

Prayer

Thank you Lord for taking away our sin with your love. Help us to hear the voice of the Angels and help us repeat the message of peace to all. Help us to be peacemakers. We thank you for the Shepherd’s all those years ago who spread your message. Through them we know that you are ever with us. Abide with in us, and fill us with your peace Our lord Immanuel. Amen

last Carol is

Hark the herald angels sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe6X7PyCKDY

May the Love of God dwell within you

may the grace of Christ surround you

may may the power of the holy spirit fill you with His peace.

Amen

Benediction to listen to The Millennium Prayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL9yDb134Rk

Christmas

 

Christmas service 2022.

Song: Come and join the celebration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp2QlKTYTZ8

Some of you may be lighting a candle to show we are celebrating the birth of Christ.

 The light of the world 

Prayer

Lord God be with all me and all who are praying with me. May we know your love and peace with in our hearts. Be with those those who feel emptiness and sorrow.

Be with all who are working today. Be with those in hospital, some who are alone, others in prison. We think of those who have nowhere to call home. We pray that your peace may spread around the world. Father God we thank you that we can give you thanks for your wondrous love. and as the candles around the world are lit may their light shine out to proclaim the wondrous gift of your son. Amen.

Bible Reading: is taken from Saint Matthew’s Gospel Chapter1: from verse 18 to 25.

This is an account of how our first carol came to be written.

"What would you like for a Christmas present?" That’s not such an unusual question for a father to ask his child. But when John Byron posed the question to his daughter, he received this extraordinary reply: "Please write me a poem."

So on Christmas morning in 1749, the little girl found a piece of paper by her plate at breakfast. On it was written a poem entitled, "Christmas day, for Dolly." John Wainwright, the organist of Manchester Parish Church, later put the words to music. The following year on Christmas morning, Byron and his daughter woke to the sound of singing outside their windows. It was Wainwright with his church choir singing Dolly’s hymn, "Christians, Awake:"

Song: Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjRzXSWcib0

Christmas Light.

C. Is for Christ born for us to save

H. Is for Holy for holy is His name.

R. Is for Repentance of our sins.

I. Is for Inner peace.

S. Is for Christ’s Sacrifice.

T. Is for Thankfulness.

M. Is for Mary the mother of Christ.

A. Is for Almighty God.

S. Is for Saviour of the world.

L. is for Love He has for us

I. is for Infant child born for us

G. is for God wondrous Gift

H. is for Hope everlasting

T. is for Today and tomorrow His light will shine forever.

By S Youdan

Song: O little town of Bethlehem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ppzuPARXg

Reading. What a Christmas present.

A Methodist minister Rev Bob Reid from Brooklyn was given a Dilapidated church. He decided to do it up and have the first service on Christmas eve. He spent 6 weeks cleaning and redecorating. On the 19th of December 1973 a bad storm hit. And rocked the building Plaster fell off the wall behind the communion table. On His way home he called in at a flea market. There he saw an old embroidered tablecloth with a cross in the middle. Back at the church it had just started to snow he saw an old lady rushing for the bus but it did not stop so he offered for her to come and sit in the church as she had over 45 minutes to wait for the next bus. While she sat a waited she watched the minister fetch a ladder and start to hang the cloth on the wall as a tapestry to cover over the missing plaster. “Where did you get that cloth she asked I've just bought from the flea market why?”

“See if there if it has EBG. in the corner.’ it had. She had made it some 35years ago in Austria, when the Nazi’s took over, she had to flee and her husband was arrested and she never saw him again The minister wanted to give it back to her but she said it looked so right so to leave it where it was. Instead of waiting for the bus the minister took her home in his car. The service on Christmas eve was well attended. At the end He shook hands with the folk as they left. He noticed an old man just sitting in the pew he asked the minister where did you get that cloth then he went on to explain that 35 years ago his wife had made one just like that one but when he was arrested by the Nazi’s and thrown into a concentration Camp he never saw his wife again and he could only assume she was dead. “come with Me’ said the minister and he took him in his car to the place where he dropped off his wife two days before. What a Christmas present.

Song: Love came down at Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAjB0GVpleg

These are the words for you to sing along to:

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star 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 men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

Back in the 1980’s Max Bygraves, a British comedian, singer, actor and variety performer, had catchphrase "I wanna tell you a story"

Here are two short stories.

Back in June a lady on the bus was sneezing from hay fever, Another passenger leant forward and handed her a tissue and said God bless you. Some stops on the sneezing lady got off, and a women with a pram got on. The baby became distressed and burped wind the mother started to look in her bag for some wipes when the lady with Tissues offered the mother some. The mother said” That’s so kind I must have left mine at home.” She relied “You’re welcome love, God bless you & your baby”. The Tissue lady got off at the next stop.

This was the first tissue story. The next one happened a few months later.

Two workmen sat at a coffee table when one of them knocked the table the coffee was spilt, an old man on the next table passed them some tissues. As they talked with old man they all had a good laugh. The old man had not laughed for some time. The three of them planed to meet up the next morning for coffee. The Old man thanked God that evening for the tissues that his little granddaughter had posted to him for his birthday. For through them he felt less lonely.

So treat your self to a small packet of tissues if you are able.

You never know it may be just what is needed to bring light relief to a runny nose.

Carry them with you, so you too will be able to Show Gods love in action as you give them to folk in need through the coming year.

Song: Carols by Candlelight.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F29LhgN2U3

God bless you, May the Light of the world shine on you and those you love

As you share this blessed, holy season.  Amen

Carol Service

 

Carol Service 2022

If you have candle be ready to light it safely later on.

Song: The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvOU9HowCuE

Reading: Luke’s gospel, chapter 1: verses 26 to 38

Prayers. Lord God we remember Mary and Joseph, giving thanks for their faithfulness, courage and obedience, stepping out into the unknown in the strength of your Spirit, playing their part in the fulfilment of your plan to bring your prodigal people home again.
We pray that their example might be the pattern of our lives, that when your gentle whisper
breaks through the clamour of this world and into our small corner, we might be ready to listen,
and having listened, to act.

God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us.

God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us.

God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us.
God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly at this time of Advent. Amen

Reading: Luke’s gospel, chapter 1: verses 39 to 56. Mary’s Magnificat. Which means utterance of praise

In our Church to day is the fourth Sunday in advent we light a candle for Mary.

Quite a few years ago I Was challenged to write my own Magnificat  an utterance of praise.

At the time I found it challenging but once I started to think of the things I had, the way people helped, I realised miracles still happen today. Twenty five years ago I had no money left and I did not know what I was going to do, so as we walked to church, I start to say a silent pray as we turned a corner there came towards my feet was a twenty pound note. This not only fed us that day but I was able to feed the family for the week. So I silently lifted an the utterance of praise to our Lord. After that it became easier for me to write the following:

My soul whispers with in me that the Lord is good
my spirit acknowledges that God is my father.
For he has seen my anxiety and vulnerability’

and he knew what was in my heart and answered my prayer.
For mighty God has done great things for me,

he fed our family with good food,
his mercy is for those who love his name,
for he has shown his strength and majesty.
My souls thanks those who have helped and prayed for me and my family.
God opens His heart to the weak and feeble
The rich He sends away with nothing,

Truly the poor and hungry are welcomed in.
blessed are those who prepare the way of the Lord.

You may feel you would like to write your own utterance of praise. (Magnificat.)

Song: O come all ye faithful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8dgI4-bVPU

Stephen Baker writes his thoughts about our next hymn

One of the things that I really love about this time of year is the music. I mean all of it, I love all the songs but particularly the Christmas Carols. We sing the same songs, year after year, and the words get stuck in our heads; we can often recite the words without even thinking about it. 

Many people attend Carol Services and Concerts and while a wide range of songs are sung the majority are still Carols. The words of the Carols can teach us a lot about the message of Christmas.  Even familiar Carols I carefully read the words on the program, trying to make sure I was singing it all correctly. The further we got into the song, the more I began to get distracted from my singing (which I am sure was a relief to those sitting around me!) as the message of the song began to resonate within me.  I listened as everyone sang in perfectly harmony. As I looked around the concert hall, I wondered if those who were carolling had ever given pause to what they were singing ’. Many of the carols we sing are based firmly on the Bible, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” is no exception. It was written by Charles Wesley, who was a hymn writer he wrote over 6,000 hymn. It is said that his goal in writing hymns was to teach the poor and illiterate sound doctrine. His brother, John Wesley, a famous vicar and founder of Methodism, said that Charles’ hymnal was the best theological book in existence. 

Charles Wesley was inspired by the sounds of London church bells while walking to church on Christmas Day and so he wrote the “Hark”. The poem first appeared in Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739 with the opening line of “Hark, how the welkin (heaven) rings.”

Song: Hark the herald Angels sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCt1s44cfMM

I will light a candle for Christmas. A Candle of joy despite all the sadness,
A candle of hope where despair keeps watch. A candle of courage for fears ever present,
A candle of peace for tempest-tossed days. A Candle of grace to ease heavy burdens.
A candle of love to inspire all my living, let Candles of love in hearts burn all year long.
Howard Thurman. alt Susannah Youdan

If you have a small candle please light it now.

Poem One Lit Candle By, Author & Poet, Sandra Juanita Nailing

Are you that lit candle, to show someone the way?  Are you shining in the night, as well as in the day?
Are you that lit candle, keeping someone from stumbling?  If someone happen to trip, this will be very humbling.
Are you that lit candle, that's shinning bright?  Are you delivering people out of darkness, down the path that is right?
Are you that lit candle, with a clear reflection?  It's up to you to continue to shine, regardless of any rejection.
Are you that lit candle, that sit high on a hill?  Are you placed in the right spot, so your light can be revealed?
Are you that lit candle with a perfect glow?  Make sure it is shinning, so people know where to go.
Are you that lit candle, brightening everyone's smile.  It will help them to receive strength, to go the extra mile.
Are you that lit candle, only to hide?  Obscuring the light to enter, all types of  people eyes?
In this world today, everyone need the light.  Keep your candle before them, in plain view of their sight.

The light of Christmas has splintered the darkness; Hope is ours once more.

The light calls us forward, remembering the past and walking confidently into the future.

Do put out the candle if you have children/pets. Please do not leave it burning where it is unattended.

Reading: Luke’s gospel, chapter 2: verses 1 to 20 Shepherds

Song: While shepherds watched

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdASbgux6ds

James Banks tells this story

I got you a present!” my two-year-old grandson shouted excitedly as he pressed a box into my hands. “He picked it out all by himself,” my wife smiled.

I opened the box to find a Christmas ornament of his favourite cartoon character. (Shawn the sheep) “Can I see it?” he asked anxiously. Then he played with “my” present for the rest of the evening, and as I watched him, I smiled.

I smiled because I remembered gifts I had given loved ones in the past, like the music album I gave my older brother one Christmas when I was in high school that I really wanted to listen to (and did). & I realized how years later God was still stretching me and teaching me to give more unselfishly.

Giving is something we grow into. Paul wrote, “But since you excel in everything .see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Grace fills our giving as we understand that all we have is from God, and He has shown us “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

God generously gave us the most unselfish gift of all: His only Son, who would die on a cross for our sins and be raised to life. Any who receive this ultimate gift are rich beyond measure. As our hearts are focused on Him, may our hands be open in love to others.

In our next hymn, In the bleak mid winter, the last verse reads

What can I give him? Poor as I am If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man I would do my part, Yet what I can, I give him: Give him my heart

Song: In the bleak mid winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAzQIS4-MpY

At one of our Christmas services last year, Jonathan, our pastor asked if any one could right a carol to a well-known Christmas song. This is what I came up with the words came to me in the early hours a week before Christmas back in 2017. I sang it at that years carol service. Here it is for you to sing along to: it plays the introduction then the well known chorus.

(do not watch words on the screen)

Joseph and his wife Mary Rudolf the red nosed reindeer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MieO0RO2VrU

Joseph and his wife Mary had a very tiring day,
When they got to Bethlehem
There was not a place to stay.
One of the hotel keepers Led them to the stable door,
There Mary had her baby, placed him on a bed of straw.

There were shepherds in the field
Angels came to say:
" fe-ar not our lights are bright
Go and see God's Child this night. "
Then all the shepherds ran there

as they shouted out with glee,

Jesus the son of Mary. You'll go down in history

There were shepherds in the field
Angels came to say:
" fe-ar not our lights are bright
Go and see God's Child this night. "
Then all the shepherds ran there
as they shouted out with glee,
Jesus the son of Mary. You'll go down in history.

By Susannah Youdan.

Reading: Matthew’s gospel, chapter 2: verses 1 to 12 The Magi visit the Messiah

As with Gladness Men of Old is considered an Epiphany hymn more than a Christmas hymn. William Chatterton Dix wrote the hymn on January 6, 1859 while recovering from an extended illness. He was bed bound at his home in Glasgow, and unable to attend that morning’s Epiphany service at church. While reading the account of the Epiphany or Wise Men in the Gospel of Matthew, he was inspired by the text. He began to write his thoughts throughout the day. His writings eventually became this hymn.  However, he kept it private until the following year.  It was then published in Hymns for Public Worship and Private Devotion.

Song: As with gladness men of old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB8rKNrlpDQ

Reading: Matthew’s gospel, chapter 2: verses 13 to 21

In our next hymn Unto us a child is Born

Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph, but he was also born “unto us,” the spiritually bankrupt; the lost and broken.

Song: Unto us a child is Born

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgkJDvMTj7M

Poem: Jesus Is The Reason

In Bethlehem, God gave to us  The source of Christmas joy;
 A star shown on a miracle:  The virgin birth of a boy.

He was born both God and man,  A Saviour for us all,
 The way to get to our heavenly home,  If we just heed His call.

So as we shop and spend and wrap  And enjoy the Christmas season,
 Let's keep in mind the sacred truth:  Jesus is the reason.

By Joanna Fuchs

Song: Holy Child how still you lie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuYdvE4iGeQ

Holy child, how still you lie!
safe the manger, soft the hay;
faint upon the eastern sky
breaks the dawn of Christmas Day.

   Holy child, whose birthday brings
   shepherds from their field and fold,
   angel choirs and eastern kings,
   myrrh and frankincense and gold.

Holy child, what gift of grace
from the Father freely willed!
In your infant form we trace
all God's promises fulfilled.

   Holy child, whose human years
   span like ours delight and pain;
   one in human joys and tears,
   one in all but sin and stain.

Holy child, so far from home,
all the lost to seek and save;
to what dreadful death You come
to what dark and silent grave!

   Holy child, before whose name
   powers of darkness faint and fall;
   conquered death and sin and shame -
   Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Holy child, how still you lie!
safe the manger, soft the hay;
faint upon the eastern sky
breaks the dawn of Christmas Day.

breaks the dawn of Christmas Day.

Let us go out with hope proclaiming that we have seen the glory of God.

Believing that there is a light that shines in the darkness which the darkness shall not overcome

 

And may the love of God

The joy of the Spirit,

And the peace of the Christ-child be with you this Christmas, and evermore Amen.

To listen and watch

Angels We Have Heard on High

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n543eKIdbUI