大象传媒

大象传媒 Radio 4. It鈥檚 ten past eight. Canon J John is our preacher this morning for Sunday Worship marking the third Sunday of Advent. It comes from Christ Church, Chorleywood, and is led by the Vicar, the Rev David Hall. The service begins now as the congregation and band join together in singing 鈥楢ngels from the realms of Glory鈥�.

CAROL: ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

WELCOME - DAVID
Good morning and welcome to Christ Church Chorleywood. We鈥檙e just 500 metres from the M25, but bordered by the green fields and the open parkland of Chorleywood Common.

We enjoy a warm partnership with our community.聽 On a daily basis, children, young people, elderly and a whole host of community groups come through our doors.

We鈥檙e also pleased to work closely with Christ Church School next door, and children from the school will be singing in our service this morning.

Over the Christmas period, we look forward to welcoming many people from the locality into church as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.聽 We bow our heads for our advent prayer.

ADVENT PRAYER - David
Loving Heavenly Father, as we journey with you, to Bethlehem鈥檚 stable and a new-born King, forgive us, when we are distracted by the temptations of this world.聽 At this time of uncertainty in the life of our nation, help us look to Christ, born as a baby, crucified as our Saviour, ascended as risen Lord and returning in power as King. Send your Spirit to fill our hearts with love, joy and peace, this advent, this Christmas and evermore, in the name of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

Some of the children in our community now light the third Advent candle.聽 It reminds us, that as we journey through advent, we think of the prophet John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus Christ.聽 It reminds us also of the 鈥淕ood news of great joy for all people鈥� and that God came for everyone, even the most unlikely and insignificant of people.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE
(Child lights candle using a taper provided)

PRAYER
Loving heavenly Father, thank you that John prepared the way for Jesus to bring the good news of his kingdom to your people.聽 Prepare our hearts also to receive the good news, for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

CAROL: LIGHT OF THE WORLD

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 9:2, 6, 7

TALK 1 鈥� CANON J. JOHN - unscripted (no script available)

CAROL: JESUS JOY OF THE HIGHEST HEAVEN (Children of Christ Church School)

David
That was 鈥淛esus joy of the highest heaven鈥�, sung by the pupils of Christ Church School, with soloist Chloe. We now hear words from Matthew Chapter 2 in which wise men from the East tell Herod how the ancient prophets accurately foretold the birth of Jesus, many years before it happened.

READING MATTHEW 2 v1-11 鈥� Killy John

TALK 2 鈥� CANON J. JOHN - unscripted (no script available)

CAROL: O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

TALK 3 - CANON J. JOHN - unscripted (no script available)

CAROL: O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

INTERCESSIONS
Loving God

For those who have committed or recommitted their lives to you this advent, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those we love, who are separated from us by distance or circumstances, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those suffering in mind or body, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For our politicians and all people carrying the responsibility of power, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For our nation and the countries of the world in these troubled times, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For ourselves this Christmas, that we might know your love, joy and peace, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

LORD鈥橲 PRAYER
We join together in the prayer which Jesus taught us:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever.
Amen.

CAROL: SILENT NIGHT

CLOSING LINK
As our worship this morning draws to a close, perhaps we now have new faith, new confidence and new strength, not just for Christmas, but for life and eternity 鈥� I hope so.

Our final blessing:

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary and the peace of the Christ-child be ours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen.

CAROL: SEE HIM LYING ON A BED OF STRAW