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Introduction
Rev Sydney Maitland
Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill us with his joy and peace! Our online Liturgy of the Word for Christmas Day includes the music which we would love to sing in church, presented through video by fellow Christians who have shared their gifts with the world. Do join them in song wherever you are! We open our worship with hymn 42, While Shepherds Watched – and end it with it too …
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Hymn 42
While shepherds watched (words and music) | Virtual choir of the Nene Crossings Benefice, Northamptonshire
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Collect
God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
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First Reading
Click Bible links on this page to read the text at Bible Gateway. Once there, click 
to hear the full chapter read by David Suchet.
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Psalm
Psalm 97 (words) The Lord is King, the earth may be glad thereof | Choir of 000
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Second Reading
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Hymn 30
O come all ye faithful (words and music) | BBC Big Sing, Royal Albert Hall
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Gospel
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Sermon by Rev Sydney Maitland
Good news, great joy
Click link for full text.
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The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation hecame down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Intercessions
• Pray for the world and its people, for those who suffer and those in need …
• Pray for the Church and its members, especially Jenny M, Douglas N, Catriona M, Brenda M, Claire, Joanna, Elena J, Jessie B …
• Pray for the departed, especially those whose year’s mind falls this month: George Staines, Margaret and William Marshall, Alan Colvin, Robert Murray, Patrick Lauderdale, Neil Ross, Margaret Deed …
• The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‘
And so let us each bring our own prayers, petitions and thanksgivings to the Lord …
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O God, whose will it is that all should find salvation and come to know the truth: receive the prayers and petitions which we offer in faith and love; through him who gave proof of your purpose, and who sacrificed himself to win freedom for all mankind, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Blessing
Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill us with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always.
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Hymn 26
Hark, the herald angels (words and music) | BBC Big Sing, Royal Albert Hall
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Voluntary
JS Bach: In dulci jubilo (In sweet rejoicing) (Good Christian men rejoice) | Played by Barry Rose on the organ at Guildford Cathedral
Alternatively, played by Curtis Antram at the organ of Chester Cathedral
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And finally, for something completely different and joyful while you enjoy your coffee. Merry Christmas!
While shepherds watched – the Yorkshire version, by Stamford Bridge Singers community choir. The words again …
Well, almost finally …
Here’s In Dulci Jubilo / Good Christian Men Rejoice on De Distelvink Dutch street organ
