MIDNIGHT SERVICE 2018

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE ENCOUNTERING THIS CHRISTMAS?

Christmas carols: Paula’s CD

Candles lit in the room

Hot chocolate and mince pies for when people arrive

11:30 start – we need to be there by 11:00

Welcome

All stand for the Introductory Prayer (powerpoint):

Rejoice, for God is with us — Immanuel.
In the darkness of our world shines God’s holy light.
Now there is reason to hope, to love, to laugh, to live.
God is truly with us. We are not alone.
Thanks be to God!

We come together this night to prepare for Christ coming

Tonight we choose to put Jesus back into our lives – giving Him the very first place – before the presents, before the feasting, before the guests. We remember that He has come so that we might have life. And we thank God for this.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned. (Is 9:2)

 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end. (Is 9:6-7)

 Carol: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ppzuPARXg

Lighting of the Advent Candles – not the middle one accompanied by:

“O Holy Night” – Josh Groban: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

Reading: the Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-7

Carol: Silent Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwUvYm3CP-k

Reading: Shepherds – Luke 2:8-20

Carol: Hark the Herald Angels Sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCt1s44cfMM

Talk: Film clip + talk

The world sees a little baby lying in a manager, surrounded by animals, shepherds and wise men – and the world goes “ahhh!”

But do you REALLY know who that little baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes was?

Mary did you know – Pentatonix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY1JoN_swbQ

Carol: In the Bleak Midwinter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRobryliBLQ

Lighting of the centre candle

Take communion: “A baby changes everything” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfmMd-o9XgI

Visit of the Magi – Matthew 2:1-12

Prayers

Carol to finish:  O Come all ye Faithful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8dgI4-bVPU

Blessing