Welcome and Intimations
Advent Candle Lighting
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Candle liturgy
- One:
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The Gospel of John speaks of Christ as the true light coming into the world. In commemoration of that coming, we light candles for the four weeks leading to Christmas and reflect on the coming of Christ. It is significant that the church has always used that language—the coming of Christ—because it speaks to a deep truth. Christ is coming. Christ is always coming, always entering a troubled world, a wounded heart. And so we light the first candle, the candle of hope, and dare to express our longing for peace, for healing, and the well-being of all creation.
(First purple candle is lit.)
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
- All:
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Loving God, as we enter this Advent season, We open all the dark places in our lives and memories to the healing light of Christ. Show us the creative power of hope. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, That we may walk in the light of Christ.
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Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
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.
Boys' Brigade Presentation
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MP 770 Will your anchor hold?
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Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
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Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rage, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o’erflow?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
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Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
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Will your eyes behold through the morning light,
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life’s storms are past for evermore?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
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Cradle Roll Presentations
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CH4 302 It was on a starry night
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It was on a starry night
When the hills were bright,
earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still;
Then in a cattle shed
In a manger bed
A boy was born, King of all the world.
And all the angels sang for him,
The bells of heaven rang for him;
For a boy was born, King of all the world.
And all the angels sang for him,
The bells of heaven rang for him;
For a boy was born, King of all the world.
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Soon the shepherds came that way,
Where the baby lay
And were kneeling, kneeling by his side,
And their hearts believed again
For the peace of men
For boy was born, King of all the world.
And all the angels sang for him,
The bells of heaven rang for him;
For a boy was born, King of all the world.
And all the angels sang for him,
The bells of heaven rang for him;
For a boy was born, King of all the world.
Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd.
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- Luke 1:26-38 (Marilyn Simpson)
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MP 589 See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw
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See Him lying on a bed of straw:
a draughty stable with an open door;
Mary cradling the babe she bore –
the Prince of glory is His name.
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men –
just as poor as was the stable then,
the Prince of glory when He came.
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Star of silver, sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies;
shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the Saviour of the world!
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men –
just as poor as was the stable then,
the Prince of glory when He came.
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Angels, sing the song that you began,
bring God’s glory to the heart of man;
sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can
be salvation to the soul.
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men –
just as poor as was the stable then,
the Prince of glory when He came.
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Mine are riches, from Your poverty,
from Your innocence, eternity:
mine forgiveness by Your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy.
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men –
just as poor as was the stable then,
the Prince of glory when He came.
1965 Jubilate Hymns
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'Christmas Hope'
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Girls' Brigade Presentation
Offering
Prayer of Intercession
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MP 47 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 in 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 for ever
and love me, I pray;
bless all the dear children
in Your tender care,
and fit us for heaven
to live with You there.
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