A Concert of Christmas Carols

 

All Bible Readings are taken from the New Life Bible

 

Welcome, Introductions and Notices

 

Introduction to Child in a Manger:

Matt 1:18-25 + Luke 2:1-7

 

Child in a Manger

 

Call to Worship

The Lord is my rock, and my safe place and the one who takes me out of trouble.   My God is my rock in whom I am safe.  He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. (Psalm 18.2)

Let us thank the Lord God of Israel. He has bought His people and made them free. (Luke 1.68-69)

My eyes have seen the One who will save me from the punishment of their sins. You have made Him ready in the sight of all nations. He will be a light to shine on the people who are not Jews.  He will be the shining-greatness of Your people the Jews.  (Luke 2.30-32)

Let us sing in God’s praise “Angels from the realms of Glory”

 

Introduction to Carol:

Luke 2:8-20 + Heb 1:1-9 +13&14

 

Angels from the Realms of Glory

 

Prayer:

PRAYERS OF WORSHIP . . .
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God (Job:39) ‘For my thought are not your thought. Nor are your ways my ways’, says the Lord. (Isa:55) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is High. I cannot attain it (Ps:139) Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled (Matt:5) (KJV)

. . . AND CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE
Where can I go from your spirit or where can I flee from your presence (Ps:139) If we say that we have no sin in us, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 john:9) Justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb:9) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more (Heb:8) (KJV)

 

Introduction to Byzantine Carol:  

 

Byzantine Carol in Arabic

 

Introduction to Carol:

Matt 2:1-12

 

 

O Little Town of Bethlehem

 

Introduction to the Huron Carol:

 

Canadian Carol: ‘Huron Carol’

 

Introduction to Carol:

Heb 9:11-12, 2 Cor 5:17, 1Pet 1:3-9

 

What child is this?

 

Prayer:

PRAYERS OF THANKFULNESS
Almighty God, at Christmas time; at this year’s end, we give you thanks for all that you are and all you have given to us through Jesus Your Son.
We give thanks for what are considered in some quarters to be the top 8 Countries in the world today where the Christian Church,  the true Church of believers is strongest and most firmly established.  U.S.A. Brazil, Nigeria, D.R.Congo, Philippines, Mexico, Tanzania and Uganda. The top growing churches in Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, India and China

PRAYERS OF INTERCEDING ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
We pray for our land. For our government and the matters of state. Big choices lie before them and our prayer is that whatever is decided, it will be to the Praise of Jesus’ name and that the Holy Spirit of God will run unfettered through the land.

As we prepare for a Covid Christmas, with hints of community tension, some fear of the unknown, stages of lockdown imposed upon us by governing authority. With suggestions of fines, isolation and separation.
We pray for the persecuted Christian Church in the world today. For our brothers and sisters like us, who love their Lord as we do. They make preparations for a Persecuted Christmas. With real community tensions, assault, attack, prejudice, great fear and distress, stages of persecution imposed upon them by governing authorities, courts, with certainty of arrest, imprisonment, kidnapping of sons or daughters, hostages and rape or even killing.
The top 10 Countries where it is hardest to follow Jesus.
North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, India
We pray for persecuted Christians at Christmas time.
Finally we pray for our community of Renfrew. For those who are in need or are vulnerable and for those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or who are in debt or fearful about security of employment.

For we ask these thing through Jesus’ name . . Amen

 

Introduction to the Swedish Carol:

 

Swedish Carol: We light 1000 candles

 

Introduction to Carol:

Gal 1:3-5, 1Cor 15:1-8 Heb 9:11-15

 

Who is he in yonder stall?

 

Introduction to the New Zealand/Maori Carol:

 

New Zealand Maori Carol: Te Harinui

 

Introduction to Carol:

John 3:1-21 + Acts 2:36-47

 

Christian Awake! Salute the Happy Morn

 

 

Conclusion/Remarks

 

Blessing:

Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
And so Heavenly Father, we commit ourselves and those whom we love into your care and protection, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In Jesus Name

Amen

The Choir: Celtic Christian Blessing

Now may the fragrance of His peace :  Soar through your heart like the dove released:
Hide in His wings, oh weary, distant soul, : He’ll guide your Spirit Home. : And may His love poured from on high : Flow to the depths of your deepest sigh; : Oh come and drink from the only living stream : And on His shoulder lean. : And may the hope that will not deceive : Through every pain bring eternal ease; : There is no night that can steal the promises : His coming brings to us. : So may His joy rush over you; : Delight in the path He has called you to; : May all your steps walk in Heaven’s endless light :
Beyond this Christmas night.