CALL TO WORSHIP/OPENING PRAYER
Come, take a break from the busy-ness of Christmas preparations,
we have come to hear the old story, to sing the old songs, to remember the promise of the season.
In a few days the calmness of the night will be rent by the cries of a newborn, the songs of angels, and the praises of shepherds.
Here this morning we come to see the story through meeker eyes.
God, in this time of prayer and song and remembering,
allow us to see the gifts that are brought to the manger,
help us see again the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of the young,
move us to rush with joy to see the child of whom angels and animals sing.
Then, when we return to the busy-ness of the season,
help us carry the joy, the wonder, the hope of the story in our hearts and souls.
This we pray in the name of the child whose birth we await, and who would later teach his friends to pray saying...
COMMISSIONING:
Children run Joyfully! Jesus is born!
Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!
We have gathered with the stable beasts to witness a remarkable event.
We have welcomed the child into our midst.
Now go, tell it on the mountain, the street corner, the dinner table
Unto us a child is born! A saviour who is Christ the Lord!
As we join the angel song we trust that God sings with us,
Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward all! Hallelujah!
