OPENING
PRAYER
God,
in the beginning you said “Let there be light!”
And
there was light.
As
time goes by it seems that darkness keeps trying to win.
But
your light shines in the darkness and the darkness can not overcome
it.
As
we gather here to worship, to celebrate the Love which binds us
together as your family,
shine
in our lives, enlighten our hearts, brighten our world.
We
pray in the name of Jesus, who called himself the light of the world,
who challenged us to share the light with others, and who taught us
to pray saying...
PRAYER
FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God,
you call us to live as people of the Light.
But
the shadows grow long and we feel darkness overtaking us.
You
call us to be people of hope.
But
we listen to the latest news and despair seems so much more
realistic.
You
call us to pass the light on to from one neighbour to another.
But
sometimes in the shadows it is difficult to see if one is a neighbour
or an enemy.
God
of Grace, God of Hope, God of light,
help
us overcome our fear, remind us that the darkness can not overcome
your light.
...time
of silent prayer...
“The
people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light; on those
who dwelt in a land of gloom light has dawned.” Dawn is breaking.
In its light God calls us to be renewed, to live as people of the
Light.
Thanks
be to God. Amen.
COMMISSIONING:
Dawn
is breaking, the darkness fades.
The
Light is coming into the world.
Though
we may walk in darkness, real or symbolic.
The
Light is coming into the world.
We
go out to celebrate that God’s Kingdom, the Reign of Peace and
Hope, is coming.
We
go out to share the Light.
We
go with God, who was in the beginning, who is in the present, who
will be in the future.
The
Light that no darkness can overcome. Amen.
