Prayer of Praise: –

 (incorporating Psalm 148: 14) 

  Almighty God, we thank you for all the fun and excitement of Christmas.  We thank you for the amazing nativity story, that tells us about the birth of Jesus.  We thank you for sending us your Son, a gift from you into this World. 

As we look at the lights on the tree, remind us of the light Jesus brought to this Earth.  When we sing songs and carols, remind us of the hope Jesus showed everyone.  And as we open the gifts and presents, remind us that Jesus was the best gift ever. 

Help us to share special times with family and friends this Christmas,

and to share the light, hope and gift of Jesus to the world.

We joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus, your beloved son, as we proclaim with confidence that he is our redeemer.  

We rejoice in the gift of Jesus to us as the light of the world, a light no darkness can quench, a light that scatters the darkness of the sinful world around us, a light that fills the World with your glory. 

We rejoice that you have raised up a King, who is the assurance of your salvation for us.

We praise you as our God, who is so near and so dear to us.  Hallelujah!  Amen!

Prayer of Confession   

God of grace and truth, we acknowledge our faults and wrongs. 

God of mercy, hear us as we confess our sins.

We confess a sin that has made us slow to learn from Christ, reluctant to follow him and afraid to bear the cross. 

Lord, have mercy.

We confess a sin that has caused the poverty of our worship, the formality and selfishness of our prayers, our neglect of fellowship and the means of grace, and our hesitating witnessing for Christ. 

Lord, have mercy.

We confess a sin that has led us to misuse your gifts, evade our responsibilities, and fail to be good stewards of your Creation. 

Lord, have mercy.

We confess a sin that has made us unwilling to overcome evil with good, tolerant of injustice, quick to condemn, and selfish in sharing your love with others. 

Lord, have mercy.

Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, until we reach our home in Heaven.

May we come to worship with a song of thanks in our hearts, a song of hope and renewal.  May we have joy in our voices, hope in our outlook, and peace in our hearts.  To your glory and honour we pray.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw us to Himself, and cleanse us from all our sins that we may behold the glory of His Son,

the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

Merciful God, we pray for the Church,

that it may be enabled in our generation to surrender anew to your holy Wisdom, and bear the Good News of your love to a needy World.

We pray for the world, which is already Christ’s,

that all its peoples may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together for the establishment of justice, freedom and peace everywhere.

We pray for all in special need, the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the fearful and the bereaved,

that the peace and light of the Christ-child may bring hope and healing to all who sit in darkness.

We pray for those whose hearts are battered by sorrow or broken relationships, for those whose lives know only conflict and confusion, for those whose bodies are tired and tested beyond their ability to endure this year,

that you will draw them close to You and give them comfort.

Keep us from distractions and help us to invite You into all our family activities.  Help us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as You forgave us.

Show us creative ways to love and care for those outside our home.  Teach us to do acts of kindness to those who are in need at this time of year.

At this Christmas time, may we not only unwrap presents, but may we discover more of your love. 

May we not only eat on festive food, but may we feast on your faith. 

May we not only cherish happy times with family and friends, but may we invite you into our lives.

May we not only sing carols that celebrate your birth, but may we dwell upon the resurrected Christ alive this moment. 

Living Lord, we long to discover your love, feast on your truth, invite you into our lives and thank you for your sacrifice. 

Amidst the presents, the food and the family we long to celebrate Christmas with you and rejoice in the knowledge of your gift to the World.

Lord God, we bring these prayers to you, trusting in your lovingkindness.  To your glory we pray.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

Now and forever.  Amen.