Led by Revd. Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga

Order of Service

Introit

A child is born in Bethlehem

Welcome and Bidding Prayer

Dear People of God:

In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger.

Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purpose from the time of our rebellion against him until the glorious redemption brought to us by his holy Child Jesus, and let us look forward to the early remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise.

But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world suffering a global pandemic, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church for which he died, and especially for his Church in our country and in this city.

And because he particularly loves them, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as all those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and that whole multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Jesus, we are one for evermore.

And now, to sum up all these petitions, let us pray in the words which Christ himself has taught us:

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

May the Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all.

Amen. 

Carol

Once in Royal David’s City

The First Lesson

Adam and Eve rebel against God
Genesis 3:1-19
Read by Walter Greaves

Carol

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

Memories of Christmas Past

Martha George

The Second Lesson

Christ’s birth and role of peace
Isaiah 9:2-7
Read by Suzanne Richardson-Bailey

Carol 

For unto us a Child is Born

The Third Lesson

The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown 
Isaiah 11:1-9
Read by Joseph Vinod

Carol

A Spotless Rose

The Fourth Lesson

The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem
Micah 5:2-4
Read by Brian Halstead

Carol

It came upon a Midnight Clear

Memories of Christmas Past

Sandra Prado

The Fifth Lesson

Saint Luke tells of the birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7
Read by Zoe Littlecott-Prado

Carol 

In dulci Jubilo

The Sixth Lesson

The shepherds go to Bethlehem
Luke 2:8-20
Read by Don Head

Carol  

See Him lying on a bed of straw

The Seventh Lesson

The Word became flesh
John 1:1-14
Read by Kate Abrahams

Carol

O Holy Night

Memories of Christmas Past

Katherine WHeldon

The Prayers & Intercessions

Gracious God, in this time of waiting, we approach you in prayer. We give thanks for the gift of Jesus and the hope that he brings. Inspire our leaders and governors with fresh hope for equitable peace, where now there is conflict. May we hear the opinions of opponents without treating them as enemies. Help us, your Church in the Centre, speak truth to power and walk steadfastly beside those who seek justice.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift to you, the inequality in Milton Keynes. Remember, people without a regular home. People who are hungry. People who cannot find peace of mind. People whose cares are never put to rest. Help us be generous with our plenty, outgoing with our care and kind in our speaking. Fire us up to work for an end to poverty and disadvantage.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our Cornerstone fellowship. Grow our bonds of care and compassion, that we may bring the warmth of your love and the firm hand of friendship to the city where it is easy to walk about unseen, unknown, unloved. Help us keep our special space reserved for everyone in need of enlightenment, welcome and spiritual refreshment. Most of all, keep us faithful in hope and service as we wait upon you.

Lord Jesus Christ, true light and hope for a world in darkness here, our prayer.

Amen.

Cheryl Montgomery

Carol 

Candlelight Carol

Christmas Appeal

Carol

I saw three ships

The Blessing

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,
the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the determination of the magi,
and the peace of the Christ child.

And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Carol 

O Come, all ye faithful