Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill

Established in 1830

140 Brooke Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1Y9 Phone: 905 889 5931 ● Fax: 905 889 5632

www.holytrinity-thornhill.ca ● info@holytrinity-thornhill.ca

“Something good is happening here!!”

OUR RULE OF LIFE As members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, we will try to LIVE for God, our Church, and others STUDY a passage of Scripture every day and ask “what is God calling me to be or to do

today?” PRAY at least twice a day GIVE regularly to support the life and ministry of our Church

This week’s Readings for our Rule of Life

From The Advent Calendar of Devotions by Sue Mink

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 23, 2018

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We extend a warm welcome to all visitors and newcomers. Be sure to sign our guest book. All baptised members of the Christian Church are invited to share in the sacrament of Holy Communion or to receive a blessing. All services are found in The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) and may be found on our website. Follow the service on your smartphone or tablet. Go to the “Worship” link on the side www.HolyTrinity-Thornhill.ca and select “Order of Services”. Wifi connection - HTC-Guest with the password: 9058895931

The Collect of The Day pg 272 1st Reading Micah 5:2-5a Bible pg 865 Canticle 18a (Luke 1:46-55) Bible pg 57 2nd Reading Hebrews 10:5-10 Bible pg 224 Gospel Luke 1:39-45 Bible pg 57 Celebrant & Preacher Canon Stephen Fields Lay Assistants/Lectors (8:00) Maurice Corbett (10:00) Maurice Corbett Sidespersons (8:00) Ken Miyata (10:00) Peter Paterson, Barbara Beale, Rebecca

Jones, Ann Young

Incumbent The Rev. Canon Stephen Fields ext 23 Honorary Assistant The Rev. Canon Stephen Crowther Lay Pastor Christine Ivy ext 25 Parish Nurse Maureen McNeish, R.N. ext 29 Office Administrator Swan Li ext 21 Director of Music Rachel Yoon Church School Coordinator Judith Sophie Sinclair ext 30 Custodian Jesús Cruz Arángo ext 24

Sunday Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Homily 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Sung Eucharist & Sermon

1st Sunday - Sung Eucharist (with a twist)& Sermon 2nd Sunday - Choral Mattins & Sermon 3rd Sunday - Sung Eucharist, Sermon & Prayers for Healing 4th Sunday - “ACTION” - A Non-Eucharistic Service (Quarterly) 5th Sunday - Sung Eucharist & Sermon

WELCOME TO HTC

PARISH STAFF

OUR SERVICE SCHEDULE

TODAY’S COLLECT, READINGS & MINISTERS

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Seasonal Sentence I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to his word. Luke 1.38 The Gathering of The Community (Page 230) Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All: And with thy spirit.

Celebrant: Let us pray. All: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lighting The Advent Wreath with the Psalms The Fourth Candle - The Candle of LOVE

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Thanks be to God

Leader: Today we will light the fourth candle in the Advent Wreath, the candle of LOVE.

The Fourth Candle is lit

Psalm 86:1-5 1 Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, * for I am poor and in misery. 2 Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; * save your servant who puts his trust

in you. 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; * I call upon you all the day long. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, * for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, * and great is your love toward all who

call upon you. Leader: Let us pray. All: Lord, you promise that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you for your love made known to us in your Son. Help us to share that love with all those whom you’ve put in our lives, and to see others as you see them, as dearly beloved children of God. Amen.

8:00 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist & Homily

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The Collect (Page 272) Celebrant: Let us pray Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. All: Amen.

The First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Canticle 18a (Luke 1:46-55) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; * for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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The Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 When Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God' (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)." When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Reader: The Lord be with you. All: And with thy spirit.

Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 1:39-55) All: Glory be to thee, O Lord.

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Reader: The Gospel of Christ. All: Praise be to thee, O Christ.

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Homily

The Apostles’ Creed (Page 251) All: I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Prayers Of The People Leadership…Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Fred our Primate, Anne, our

Metropolitan, Colin, our Diocesan Bishop, Andrew, our Bishop Coadjutor, Peter, our area Bishop, Canon Stephen & Canon Stephen Crowther, our clergy, Christine, our Lay Pastor, Maureen, our Parish Nurse

Anglican Communion… Kubwa - Abuja, Nigeria, Archbishop Duke Akamisoko Diocese… FaithWorks Deanery… St. Stephen’s, Maple, Rev. Jeff Potter, Rev. Mary Pataki Parish… Aldith Gill, Betsy Gillies, Jean & Paul Glionna, Kim Gordon, Linda &

Edward Gould The Residents & staff of Glynnwood, Oakridges & Delmanor Retirement Homes The Children & Youth of our Community The Sick… Carol Drieberg, Barbara Getfield, Sandra Kirk, Ollie Neil, Lois Jempson,

Cleo Simpson, Eve Spafford, Elaine Stecyk, Bill & Fran White Our Sick Parish Friends...Stephen Baker, Vernal Bertie, Carolyn Brooks,

Francesca Cox, Joan Davis, Donna Dhyma, Alicia Downes, Jim Forrest, Cam Pfanner, Kervin Rolle, Madelyn Ross, Jim Stefoff, Kaiden Wilson.

The Departed… The Confession & Absolution (Page 238) Celebrant: Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.

Come unto me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 1.28

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God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3.16

Hear also what Saint Paul saith. This is a true saying, and worthy of all to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1.15

Hear also what Saint John saith. If anyone sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2.1,2

Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.

All: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things and judge of all people: we acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word and deed, against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him: have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. The Peace Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you. All: And with thy spirit.

Please greet one another with a sign of peace.

Offertory Interlude (Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming)

Prayer over The Gifts (Page 272) Celebrant: Let us pray. Gracious God, by the power of the Spirit who sanctified the mother of your Son, make holy all we offer you this day. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. All: Amen.

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Eucharistic Prayer B (Page 243) Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up unto the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People: It is meet and right so to do.

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh and opened to us the way of salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to judge this world; that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing.

Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying: All: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Please kneel or sit as you are able.

Celebrant: All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, who didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption.

He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and

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precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the body and blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ. All: We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee, and we pray to thee, Lord our God.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this holy communion may worthily receive the most precious body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer Celebrant: And now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say, People: 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.

The Breaking of the Bread People: We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, Trusting in our own righteousness, But in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy So much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, Whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, So to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, And to drink his blood, That we may evermore dwell in him, And he in us. Amen.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: grant us thy peace. Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. All: Thanks be to God.

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Communion Interlude (Ave Maria) Prayer after Communion (Page 272) Celebrant: Let us pray Faithful God, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation. May we, like the Virgin Mary, be obedient to your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. All: Amen. Celebrant: Glory to God, All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Lay Minister: This act of worship is ended! Our service in the world continues! Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Recessional (A Virgin Most Pure)

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Jesus The Messiah! By The Rev. Canon Stephen Fields

Cast for The Christmas Pageant

Mary Megan Allison

Joseph Perry Wu

Angels Claire Haneul Park Madisyn Richarz Gabriella Renée Fields Daisy Ade-Akhani Visiting Children

Shepherds Mikhail Getfield Francis Derek Ade-Akhani Andrew Hong Lam Downer Philip Hong Lam Downer

Visiting Children

Wise Men Aase Ade-Akhani Efe Ade-Akhani Seni Ade-Akhani

King Herod Ian Downer

Soldier Joaquim Getfield Francis

Readers Dennis Meikle Marcus Richarz

Duet Garth Gayle & Alan Macellan

Director Judith Sinclair

Assistants Hazel Ogilvie, Ian Downer, Linda Archibald

Music Rachel Yoon

CHURCH SCHOOL PAGEANT

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Opening Hymn 123 Once in Royal David’s City Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all, And his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall. With the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, Shall we see him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high, When, like stars, his children crowned all in white shall gather round.

Welcome

Lighting of Advent Wreath

The Fourth Candle - The Candle of LOVE

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Thanks be to God

Leader: Today we will light the fourth candle in the Advent Wreath, the candle of LOVE.

The Fourth Candle is lit

Psalm 86:1-5 1 Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, * for I am poor and in misery. 2 Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; * save your servant who puts his

trust in you. 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; * I call upon you all the day

long. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, * for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, * and great is your love toward all who

call upon you. Leader: Let us pray. All: Lord, you promise that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you for your love made known to us in your Son. Help us to share that love with all those whom you’ve put in our lives, and to see others as you see them, as dearly beloved children of God. Amen.

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1. The world was groaning. People were asking, Who will deliver? Jesus, the Messiah!

Prophet Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6/Luke 1:30-33 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Hymn 89 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O come great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times once gave the law in cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe deliver them! That trust your mighty power to save, and give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

2. Shepherds, flock watching. Angel’s choir singing “Go to the manger You’ll see the Messiah”.

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Luke 2:8-14 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heav-en, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ Hymn 135 Shepherds in the Field Abiding

Shepherds in the field abiding, tell us, when the seraph bright Greeted you with wondrous tiding, what you saw and heart that night Gloria in excelsis Deo!

We beheld (it is no fable), God incarnate, king of bliss, Swathed and cradles in a stable, and the angel strain was this: Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Choristers on high were singing, Jesus and his virgin birth Heavenly bells the while a-ringing, “Peace, good will to all on earth.” Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Thanks, good shepherds, true your story; let us go to Bethlehem. Angels hymn the king of glory; carol we with you and them. Gloria in excelsis Deo!

3. Wise men were gazing. A star was rising. Leaving Persia, They sought the Messiah. 4. Mary was pondering. Shepherds came telling. Joseph, quiet ever, Just hugged the Messiah.

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Luke 2:15-19 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. Hymn 126 Away in the Manger (v.1 solo; vv2,) 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 you, Lord Jesus, look down from on high And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

5. Herod was fuming. “What am I hearing?” “In Beth’lem, Judea, There ‘ll be a Messiah?”

Matthew 2:1-2/Micah 5:2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Hymn 121 O Little Town of Bethlehem (vv.1,3,4)

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.

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How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given As love imparts to human hearts the blessings of God’s heaven! No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, Where meek sould 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 iin us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

6. With the star leading, Three kings running, It stopped in the area Above the Messiah.

Matthew 2:3-8 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’

7. Through the small opening, The kings bending, Gave glory, honour, Gifts for the Messiah.

Matthew 2:9-11 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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8. To home returning, King Herod avoiding, Convinced beyond measure They’d found the Messiah.

Matthew 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Hymn We Three Kings of Orient

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's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign. O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect Light.

9. The world’s still groaning. People still asking, Who will deliver? Yes, the same Messiah!

10. Come now, rejoicing, On Christmas morning, And praise our Saviour, Jesus, the Messiah.

Offertory Hymn 128 The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy

The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, the Virgin Mary had a baby boy, The Virgin Mary had a baby boy and they say that his name is Jesus.

Refrain He come from the glory, he come from the glorious Kingdom, O yes, believer! O, yes, believer! He come from the glory, he come from the Glorious Kingdom.

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The angels sang when the baby was born, The angels sang when the baby was born, The angels sang when the baby was born, And proclaim him the Saviour Jesus.

The wise men went where the baby born, The wise men went where the baby born, The wise men went where the baby born, And they said that his name is Jesus.

Thanksgiving Prayer & Prayers of Intercession Priest: All things come from you, O Lord, and of thine own we give you. Blessed be God for ever and ever.

Gracious God, by the power of the Spirit who sanctified the mother of your Son, make holy all we offer you this day. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. All: Amen.

The Prayers Leadership…Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Fred our Primate, Anne, our Met-

ropolitan, Colin, our Diocesan Bishop, Andrew, our Bishop Coadjutor, Peter, our area Bishop, Canon Stephen & Canon Stephen Crowther, our clergy, Chris-tine, our Lay Pastor, Maureen, our Parish Nurse.

Anglican Communion… Kubwa - Abuja, Nigeria, Archbishop Duke Akamisoko Diocese… FaithWorks Deanery… St. Stephen’s, Maple, Rev. Jeff Potter, Rev. Mary Pataki Parish… Aldith Gill, Betsy Gillies, Jean & Paul Glionna, Kim Gordon, Linda & Ed-

ward Gould The Residents & staff of Glynnwood, Oakridges & Delmanor Retirement

Homes The Children & Youth of our Community The Sick… Carol Drieberg, Barbara Getfield, Sandra Kirk, Ollie Neil, Lois Jempson,

Cleo Simpson, Eve Spafford, Elaine Stecyk, Bill & Fran White Our Sick Parish Friends...Stephen Baker, Vernal Bertie, Carolyn Brooks, Fran-

cesca Cox, Joan Davis, Donna Dhyma, Alicia Downes, Jim Forrest, Cam Pfanner, Kervin Rolle, Madelyn Ross, Jim Stefoff, Kaiden Wilson.

The Departed…

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The Collect for the Day Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may em-brace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. All: Amen. Junior Choir 122—In the Bleak Midwinter Duet “Brightest and Best” Garth Gayle, Alan Macellan The Children Silent Night - Instrumental Rendition CarolSing 137 What Child Is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and donkeys are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.

Duet “Mary did you know” Garth Gayle, Alan Macellan Instrumental Sydney Rowles (Ukulele) The Blessing Priest: Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. All: Amen.

Announcements

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Hymn 153 Good Christians All, Rejoice Good Christian all, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; Listen now to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian all, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; Hear the news of endless bliss; Jesus Christ is born for this! He has opened heaven's door, and we are blessed evermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

Good Christian all, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; Now you need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save: Come at his most gracious call to find salvation, one and all! Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

Minister: This act of worship is ended! Our service in the world continues! Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.