Lessons and Carols
Watch today’s service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/i1lP6dhhf_8
Church Of Scotland Dumbarton – YouTube
Welcome
When the voice of God seemed silent
when the people’s faith was low
when darkness obscured light
when indifference replaced enthusiasm
God saw that the time was right
and sent his Son into the world
Hymn: Once in royal David’s city
Lighting the Advent candle
Prayer
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth”
O Lord,
The Host of Heaven cries out to you in ceaseless praise
You are the Creator of all that is
you care about the vast tracts of the universe
and the smallest living creature
you work without resting for peace and justice
your very nature is love and goodness,
truth, honesty and faithfulness
As we journey through Advent
and prepare to celebrate Christmas again
we give thanks that in Jesus
you experienced what it is to be human;
Jesus who suffered, died and rose again for our sake
God of Grace and God of Mercy
You are due so much praise, but we do not give it
You have given us so much, but we do not say ‘Thank you’
You have taught us and shown us how we should live
but we ignore you
You have given us your own Son to be our Saviour and Lord
but we have failed to live up to your expectations and our
promises
Forgive us
Cleanse us
Restore us
Fill us again with your Spirit
that we may faithfully walk in the way of Jesus
In his name we pray, Amen
Reading: Isaiah 9: 2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now the light is shining on them.
You have given them great joy, LORD;
you have made them happy.
They rejoice in what you have done,
as people rejoice when they harvest their corn
or when they divide captured wealth.
For you have broken the yoke that burdened them
and the rod that beat their shoulders.
You have defeated the nation
that oppressed and exploited your people,
just as you defeated the army of Midian long ago.
The boots of the invading army
and all their blood-stained clothing
will be destroyed by fire.
A child is born to us!
A son is given to us!
And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, ‘Wonderful Counsellor’,
‘Mighty God’, ‘Eternal Father’,
‘Prince of Peace’.
His royal power will continue to grow;
his kingdom will always be at peace.
He will rule as King David’s successor,
basing his power on right and justice,
from now until the end of time.
The LORD Almighty is determined to do all this.
Music: The peaceful night (Don Besig)
see today’s service on YouTube
Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-9
The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.
The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom,
and the knowledge and skill to rule his people.
He will know the LORD’s will and honour him,
and find pleasure in obeying him.
He will not judge by appearance or heresay;
he will judge the poor fairly
and defend the rights of the helpless.
At his command the people will be punished,
and evil persons will die.
He will rule his people with justice and integrity.
Wolves and sheep will live together in peace,
and leopards will lie down with young goats.
Calves and lion cubs will feed together,
and little children will take care of them.
Cows and bears will eat together,
and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace.
Lions will eat straw as cattle do.
Even a baby will not be harmed
if it plays near a poisonous snake.
On Zion, God’s sacred hill
there is nothing harmful or evil.
The land will be as full of knowledge of the LORD
as the seas are full of water.
Music: In the bleak midwinter (Harold Darke)
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Reading: Micah 5: 2-5a
The LORD says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, But out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.”
So the LORD will abandon his people to their enemies until the one who is to give birth has her son. Then his fellow-countrymen who are in exile will be reunited with their own people. When he comes, he will rule his people with the strength that comes from the LORD and with the majesty of the LORD God himself. His people will live in safety because people all over the earth will acknowledge his greatness, and he will bring peace.
Music: The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (Basque carol)
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Reading: Hebrews 1: 1-3
In the past, God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of humankind, he sat down in heaven at the right-hand side of God, the Supreme Power.
Music: Silently at Christmas
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Reading: 1 John 1: 1-4
We write to you about the word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our own eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We write this in order that our joy may be complete.
Prayers for others and Lord’s Prayer
Heavenly Father
We pray for all who are ill,
those who look after them
and those who worry about them
those waiting for or receiving treatment
and those for whom there is no treatment
those who are lonely, feeling down, or grieving a friend or loved one
those who are worried about home, work or money
a friend or a relative
those who are living with the after-effects of natural disasters
those who do not have enough to eat, or somewhere to call home
those who long to live in peace and safety
those who have fled from their homes seeking safety
We pray for the Queen, the Government
all in positions of leadership in this and every land
We bring to you our prayers for people and situations of special concern to us
And we sum up our prayers in the words of the prayer Jesus gave us
Hymn: See in yonder manger low
(no singing but lyrics)
Blessing
Look forward in hope
to the coming of your Saviour
prepare the way for Christ your Lord
welcome him with love and faith
when he comes in glory
and the blessing of God Almighty
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
rest and remain with you,
today, and every day, and for ever. Amen