This week we have the normal Lectionary materials (provided for information) and the video is of the actual Worship Service of 9 Lessons and 9 Carols (no sermon) – a variation on the Lectionary suggestions.

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-16 & Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7 & Matthew 1:18-25

Call to Worship

‘A virgin will conceive and bear a son, and he shall be called Emmanuel’, a name which
means ‘God is with us’. Matthew 1:23

Suggested hymns:

CH4 62 – “Sing a new song to the Lord” – Psalm 98
CH4 253 – “Inspired by love and anger”
CH4 273 – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
CH4 528 – “Make me a channel of your peace”
CH4 721 – “We lay our broken world at your feet”

Opening Prayer

Creator God,
Eternal Christ,
Reconciling Spirit,
we gave thanks for the myriad of ways in which You are present with us – in times of joy,
wholeness, love and hope, as well as in times of fear, despair, longing, and brokenness.
We give thanks for what Your presence brings to our lives. For the peace, grace, hope
and reconciliation that can occur, when we act out of Your larger, more loving story and not
out of the fears inherent in our current circumstances.
Thank You, Creator God,
Eternal Christ,
Reconciling Spirit
for the transformative power of Emmanuel, God with Us.
Amen

Today’s Service from St James’ – Video Recording

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

O God with us, we pray today for all in our congregation and community who are ill, who
are afraid, who are in despair.
May the promises of Jesus, His peace and reconciliation – be experienced in every life.
Lord in Your mercy,
Hear our Prayer.
O God with us, we pray for all in leadership – in our Church, in our country and across the
world.
May our leaders keep their eyes on Jesus and increase in compassion, wisdom and love.
May they use their power for the good of all, particularly those on the margins for whom
Jesus had a special love and for the wellbeing and restoration of this planet.
Lord in Your mercy,
Hear our Prayer.
O God with us, we pray for our world, so in need of the peace, healing and reconciliation
that Your presence brings. May we each have the courage to be people of hope this
Christmas – may we walk into conflict, may we walk into fear, may we walk into despair ….
and bring Your spirit of peace, hope and love.
Lord in Your mercy,
Hear our Prayer through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who taught us to pray together…..
The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing/Closing Prayer

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, and may the blessing of God almighty, the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with us and abide with us always.
Amen