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Lighting of Candles
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Tonight we remember Jesus and the story of his birth:
- All:
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Jesus is our King.
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Jesus Christ is the light of the world;
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Jesus is our Way.
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With Jesus even dark places are light;
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Jesus is the Truth.
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In Jesus we shall live for ever:;
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Jesus is our Life.
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CH4 291 When Out of Poverty Is Born
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When out of poverty is born a dream that will not die
a landless, weary folk find strength
to stand with heads held high,
it's then we learn from those who wait to greet the promised day:
'The Lord is coming; don't lose heart Be blest: prepare the way!'
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When people wander far from God, forget to share their bread,
they find their wealth an empty thing, their spirits are not fed.
For only just and tender love
the hungry soul will stay.
And so God's prophets echo still: 'Be blest: prepare the way!'
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When God took flesh and came to earth, the world turned upside down,
and in the strength of women's faith the Word of Life was born.
She knew that God would raise the low, it pleased her to obey.
Rejoice with Mary in the call: 'Be blest: prepare the way!’
© The Revd Kathy Galloway
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Opening Prayer
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- Luke 2:1-20
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CH4 312 Away in a Manger
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Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
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The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
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Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and take us to heaven to live with you there.
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- John 1:1-14
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O Little Town of Bethlehem
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O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
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For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King
and peace to all the earth.
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How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
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O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
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Address
Prayers for the World
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CH4 279 Make Way!
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Make way, make way, for Christ the King
In splendour arrives.
Fling wide the gates and welcome him
Into your lives.
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings!
(For the King of kings!)
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
And let his kingdom in!
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He comes the broken hearts to heal,
The prisoners to free.
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance,
The blind shall see.
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings!
(For the King of kings!)
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
And let his kingdom in!
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And those who mourn with heavy hearts,
Who weep and sigh;
With laughter, joy and royal crown
He'll beautify.
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings!
(For the King of kings!)
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
And let his kingdom in!
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We call you now to worship him
As Lord of all.
To have no other gods but him:
Their thrones must fall!
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings!
(For the King of kings!)
Make way! (Make way!)
Make way! (Make way!)
And let his kingdom in!
© 1986 Thankyou Music/Admin. by kingswaysongs.com
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Benediction