HOLMBURY
ST MARY
SELF-SERVICE for CHRISTMAS 2021
ORDER OF SERVICE
This order of service is based upon that used for our
Carol Service on Saturday 18 December this year.
Some elements taken from last year's online Christmas Eve service are expected to be replaced before Christmas Day,
so do revisit this page.
ORGAN OPENING VOLUNTARIES
James Stanton plays Chorale Prelude on 'Es ist ein ros' entsprungen' by Johannes Brahms
and Interlude on the Coventry Carol by W.S. Lloyd Webber
on the Lewis organ at St Mary's church, also used to record the organ accompaniments for three carols.
WELCOME by Martha
CAROL
Click and listen or join in with Kings College Choir singing:
Once in royal David's city
BIDDING PRAYER Listen to David
Welcome. At Christmas time we delight again to hear the story of the journey to Bethlehem, the song of the angels, the surprise of the shepherds, and their joy as they found Jesus in the manger.
But lest we forget he was born to poverty, we remember at this season all who are hungry or cold, or living on our streets.
And lest we forget he became a refugee, we remember now the stranger and the lonely among us, and all who are overlooked or marginalized.
And lest we forget he felt the pain of life and death, we remember now those who are ill, or anxious, or bereaved, that the peace and light of the Christ-child may bring hope and and healing.
And because we know he came for us, let us in our hearts and minds go once again to Bethlehem, to hear the message of the angels and worship afresh the Son of God.
FIRST READING
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Judith reads Isaiah 9: 2, 6 and 7
CAROL Click and join in or listen:
God rest you merry, gentlemen
SECOND READING
The birth of Jesus
Francis reads Luke 2: 1 – 7
REFLECTION by David
Extravagant love
CAROL Click and join in or listen:
Silent night, holy night
PRAYERS Led by Martha
Let us join with Francis and Liz, saying
THE 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
THIRD READING
The Word became flesh
David Finnigan reads John 1: 1 – 14
CAROL Click and join in or listen:
O come, all ye faithful
BLESSING given by David
CAROL
Click and listen or join in with Kings College Choir singing:
Hark, the herald angels sing
ORGAN CLOSING VOLUNTARY
James Stanton plays Postlude on 'Adeste Fideles' by Eric Thiman, on the Lewis organ at St Mary's church
ST MARY'S CHRISTMAS APPEAL: WOODLAND TRUST
All donations from our Christmas services will be sent, with the Gift Aid added, to the Woodland Trust. This is the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, planting, protecting and restoring woodland throughout the country.
Click here to make a secure online payment: