This Sunday, 21 December, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. There is a service of Holy Communion at 9:30am in St Bartholomew, Burstow, a Crib Service at 10am in St Mary the Virgin, Horne; and Christmas Carol Services at 4:30pm in St John the Baptist, Outwood and at 6:30pm in St Mary the Virgin, Horne.
This week’s online service is led by Revd Steve Bishop.
Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to You
Make us Your own, Your holy people
Light for the world to see
Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in Your church gathered today
Longing for shelter, many are homeless
Longing for warmth, many are cold
Make us Your building, sheltering others
Walls made of living stone
Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in Your church gathered today
Many the gifts, many the people
Many the hearts that yearn to belong
Let us be servants to one another
Making Your kingdom come
Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in Your church gathered today
Bernadette Farrell (1993) CCLI: 845257
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Introduction
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, ”The first commandment is this: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two laws hang all the Law and the Prophets.“
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Confession
Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart,
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy, forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be,
that we may do justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Absolution
Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The readings
read by Ginette Nye
The first reading is from Isaiah 7:10-16
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
The Gospel reading is from Matthew 1:18-end
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Talk
by Revd Steve Bishop
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lord, everything in heaven and earth is yours.
All things come from you and of your own do we give you.
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.
Eternal God,
the light of the minds that know you,
the joy of the hearts that love you,
and the strength of the wills that serve you:
grant us so to know you that we may truly love you,
so to love you that we may truly serve you,
whose service is perfect freedom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God,
we thank you that you have brought us safely
to the beginning of this day.
Keep us from falling into sin,
or running into danger;
order us is all our doings,
and guide us to do always
what is righteous in your sight,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Blessing
Go in peace to love and to serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Make way, make way for Christ the King
In splendour arrives
Fling wide the gates and welcome Him
Into your lives.
Make way, make way for the King of Kings
Make way, make way and let His kingdom in!
He comes the broken hearts to heal
The prisoners to free
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance
The blind shall see.
And those who mourn with heavy hearts
Who weep and sigh
With laughter, joy and royal crown
He’ll beautify.
We call you now to worship Him
As Lord of all
To have no gods before Him
Their thrones must fall!
Make way, make way for the King of Kings
Make way, make way and let His kingdom in!
Words and music: Graham Kendrick (b.1950)
© 1986 Thankyou Music (administered by Music Services). Used by permission CCLI: 845257
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Organist: Peter Nye.
Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000), material from which is included in this service,
is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000.
CCLI Streaming Licence™ 1942313
PRS for Music Church Licence (CCLI) 1545501
PRS Streaming Digital Music Licence for Worship LE‑0034802
