Lectionary -- Christmas 1 Year A
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Isaiah 63:7-9 ... he will become their saviour
Psalm 148 Praise the Lord from the heavens
Hebrews 2:10-18 .. he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect
Matthew 2:13-23 The escape to Egypt and return to Nazareth
Suggested Hymns (From Denis Towner. TIS = Together in Song; AHB = Australian Hymn Book; SA = Sing Alleluia)
| lesson | Hymns for Christmas +1 Yr.A | TIS | AHB | SA |
| Angels from the realms of glory | 309 | 235 | ||
| Child in the manger, infant of Mary | 319 | 241 | ||
| E/G | Christ is the world's true light | 238 | 179 | |
| God rest you merry, people all | 233 | |||
| Ps/G | Good Christians all, rejoice | 313 | 238 | |
| O | Great is your faithfulness | 154 | ||
| O/G | Hark the herald angels sing | 303 | 227 | |
| O/E | In you is gladness | 200 | ||
| Infant holy, infant lowly | 292 | 225 | ||
| G | Joy to the world, the Lord is come | 268 | 224 | |
| O/G | Love came down at Christmas | 317 | 243 | |
| Love divine all loves excelling | 217 | 148 | ||
| Of the Father's love begotten | 290 | 215 | ||
| G | Once in royal David's city | 312 | 237 | |
| G | Our Father/Parent, by whose name | 71 | ||
| The first Nowell the angels did say | 301 | 221 | ||
| Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown | 206 | |||
| To us a child of royal birth | 308 | 230 | ||
| G | Unto us a boy is born | 293 | 218 |
Other Possible Hymns
(Numbers refer to The Australian Hymn Book and Sing Alleluia. TIS = Together in Song)
30 (TIS 112) Through all the changing scenes of life
46 (TIS 47) O God our help in ages past
52 (TIS 124) Great God, we sing that mighty hand
54 (TIS 126) God moves in a mysterious way
58 (TIS 93) Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him [vv 1 and 4]
91 (TIS 153) Morning has broken
114 (TIS 162) Thank you for giving me the morning
118 (TIS 169) Our God, we know your providence
138 (TIS 209) And can it be that I should gain
149 (TIS 219) Jesus comes with all his grace
177 Jesus, good above all other/ gentle child of gentle mother
184 Son of the Father, Jesus, Lord and slave
202 (TIS 274) The people that in darkness walked
213 (TIS 278) O what a gift, what a wonderful gift!
248 (TIS 324) Lord, let your servant go in peace
347 (TIS 44) How lovely is your dwelling place
361 Lord of the gentle worlds above
415 (TIS 490) Jesus, once a child
423 (TIS 193) God, you are clothed with light
455 (TIS 547) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my life
484 Sing to the great Jehovah's praise
501 Father, I know that all my life
520 (TIS 599) Take my life and let it be/ consecrated, Lord, to thee
529 (TIS 606) Son of God, eternal saviour
537 (TIS 609) May the mind of Christ my Saviour
541 Almighty Father, who dost give
SA 13 Beyond the mist and doubt of this uncertain day
SA 33 (TIS 472) Father of mercy, God of consolation
SA 34 (TIS 491) Father welcomes all his children
SA 38 (TIS 646) God is our song, and every singer blest
SA 73 (TIS 470) Rejoice in God's saints, today and all days
SA 95 Where love and loving kindness dwell
Sermon summary (Click here for complete sermon)
Jesus the pioneer
Have you ever been the first to do something? Or perhaps you have been able to imagine a little of what it was like to be the first to go to some place or to follow a new way by following closely someone who went before you.
Christmas marks the beginning of the earthly life of Jesus, but it is more than that. Because Jesus was who he is, the Messiah our Saviour, it is also a new beginning for us, the human race. In the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus our Saviour was called a pioneer. -- looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith [Heb 12:2] and he is called the pioneer of their salvation [Heb 2:10]. He was the first to go along a way which others would follow. He worked to open up that way for them.
The pioneer can also be understood as author and leader. The key point is that he was the originator of the way to eternal life. [John 14:2-4]. To open up this way for us he had to start where we are, taking our flesh upon himself, living our ordinary life and dying our death. [Hebrews 2:14-15 ]. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect [Heb. 2:17]. That was the point of the `incarnation', his being born a man, so that the word became flesh [John 1:14].
By identifying himself completely with us Jesus, the Christ, was able to represent us as our great high priest mediating between us and God, to offer a perfect sacrifice on our behalf: to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. {18} Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. [Heb. 2:17-18].
It was for this reason that the angel spoke of good news of great joy when the birth of a Saviour was announced. He became one of us to pioneer the way of life for us to follow and enjoy.
Order of Service - Christmas 1 Year A
The Gathering of the People of God
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, ...
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created. -- Psalms 148:1-5
HYMN Jesus comes with all his grace AHB149 TIS 219
PRAYER OF ADORATION
CONFESSION
We have failed to love you with all our heart and to be good stewards of your creation: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
We have failed to take up the cross of discipleship and to be good stewards of your gospel: Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
We have failed to be faithful members of your church and to be good stewards of your spiritual gifts: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
... your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God
DOXOLOGY: Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him [Hymn AHB 58 TIS 93, vv 1 and 4]
WELCOME AND GREETING EACH OTHER
Service of the Word
INTRODUCTION OF THEME: To you is born a Saviour: Jesus the pioneer
A word to the children.
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 63:7-9 ... he will become their saviour
PSALM 148 Praise the Lord from the heavens
EPISTLE Hebrews 2:10-18 .. he had to become like his brothers and sisters
GOSPEL Matthew 2:13-23 The escape to Egypt and return to Nazareth
HYMN Love came down at Christmas AHB 243 TIS 317
SERMON
HYMN Good Christians all, rejoice [vv 2 and 3] AHB 238 TIS 313
OFFERING AND DEDICATION
SHARING TIME [Notices, celebrations, requests for intercessions]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
for our families, friends and neighbours, and for those who are alone.
For this community, our country, and the world;
for all who work for justice, freedom and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
for those who minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
for all who proclaim the gospel, and for all seek the truth.
For the Uniting Church in Australia,
for James, president of the Assembly,
for ...our moderator and for .... our chairperson of presbytery/ presbytery minister,
for elders and members of the local church council,
and for all who hold office in this congregation;
for all who serve God in the church.
For our own needs, and for others for whom you have called us to pray.
[Silence
Hear us, Lord
for your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of life.
[Silence
We exalt you, O God our king;
and praise your name for ever and ever.
We give thanks for all those who have died in the peace of Christ, and for the promise of your eternal kingdom.
[Silence]
In Christ you have called us to eternal glory;
to you be praise for ever and ever. Amen.
COLLECT FOR THE DAY
Let us pray (for peace in our families):
Father, help us to live as the holy family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever.
Or
O God,
who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored,
the dignity of human nature:
grant that we may share the divine life
of him who humbled himself to share our humanity,
your Son Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
The Sending Forth of the People of God
HYMN Almighty Father, who dost give AHB 541
WORD OF MISSION
BLESSING
DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:
In the name of Christ. Amen.
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