St Michael & All Angels,

Transcription

1 St Michael & All Angels, Tettenhall Crib Service Christmas Eve, 2013

2 If children have come prepared to participate in the service, then be aware for them to be called forward during the nativity presentation. They will return to their seats after the singing of Away in a Manger. Please note that there will be a retiring collection for the work of Christian Aid. You are welcome to stay after the service for mulled wine and a mince pie. This service order can be downloaded from or by using this QR code: More information about the church and upcoming events is available from: 2

3 Welcome Carol 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 O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all the earth. For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond ring love. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in. 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 Emmanuel. Greeting during which the 4 Advent candles are lit Today we remember Jesus and the story of his birth; All Jesus is our King. Jesus Christ is the light of the world; All Jesus is the Way. With Jesus even dark places are light; All Jesus is the Truth. In Jesus we shall live for ever: All Jesus is our Life. Collect 3

4 Reading Luke The Message of Christmas Interactive telling of the Christmas story. Children who have come dressed up will be invited to join the relevant procession around the church and to become part of the tableau. Carol Little donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road, got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load. Been a long time, little donkey, through the winter s night; don t give up now, little donkey, Bethlehem s in sight. Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem, follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day, little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way. Little donkey, little donkey, journey s end is near. There are wise men, waiting for a sign to bring them here. do not falter, little donkey, there s a star ahead; it will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed. Ring out those bells tonight 4

5 Carol While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around. Fear not, swaid he (for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind) glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind. To you in David s town this day is born of David s line a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign: The heavenly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swathling bands, and in a manger laid. Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song: All glory be to God on high, and on the earth be peace, goodwill henceforth from heaven to all begin and never cease. Carol We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star: O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Born a King on Bethlehem plain, gold I bring, to crown him again, King for ever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. O star of wonder, star of night Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a Deity nigh, prayer and praising, gladly raising, worship him, God most high: O star of wonder, star of night 5 Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb: O star of wonder, star of night Glorious now, behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice; Alleluia, alleluia, earth to heaven replies: O star of wonder, star of night

6 Carol 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. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. Reflection Prayers Finishing with the Lord s Prayer. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. 6

7 Carol Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say, Mary s boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day. Hark now, hear the angels sing a new king born today! And we may live for evermore because of Christmas day. Trumpets sound and angels sing listen to what they say, that we may live for evermore, because of Christmas Day. While shepherds watch their flocks by night, them see a bright new shining star; them hear a choir sing the music seems to come from afar. Now Joseph and his wife, Mary, come to Bethlehem that night she have no place to bear her child not a single room was in sight. Hark now, hear the angels sing By and by they find a little nook in a stable all forlorn, and in a manger cold and dark, Mary s little babe was born. Long time ago in Bethlehem so the Holy Bible say Mary s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day Hark now, hear the angels sing Blessing 7

8 We would like to wish you all a happy, blessed and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Youth & Children s Work at St. Michael s During our regular main Sunday Service, we have a crèche for pre-school children, in the choir vestry. We also have a Sunday School, for primary aged children, which starts off in church and goes to Church Cottage near to the beginning of the service. The parish runs the Encounter programme, which runs from June to May, for those in year 6 and above, who are interested in exploring confirmation. Contact the Parish Office for more information. Other local groups: St Michael s Youth Group Meet alternate Fridays in Church Cottage, pm, for young people aged 12+. Contact: Simon Douglas ~ th Tettenhall (St Michael s) Beavers Meet at St Michael s School, Wednesday pm Contact: Claire Baugh ~ th Tettenhall (St Michael s) Cub Scouts Meet at Claregate School, Monday pm Contact: Sarah Lambert ~ Aldersley Guide Company including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Guides. Meet at Christ the King Church, Aldersley Road. Contact: Jane Paley ~ Tettenhall Regis Parish Office, Church Cottage, Church Road, WV6 9AJ. Tel: Material from this service from Common Worship: Services and prayers for the Church of England, copyright The Archbishop s Council 2000, and Common Worship: Times and Seasons copyright The Archbishop s Council Cover photo courtesy of 8