Jesus is born on Christmas Day

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God

Today is Christmas Day, the day on which we celebrate the gift to us of the birth of Jesus and recall the hope we have in Christ. Today we light again the Candles of Promise and Hope, of Light, of Mary’s Gift and of Worship.

(light each candle in turn)

First Candle - We speak of hope and promise - because God keeps his promises to us.

Second Candle - We look for the light - because Jesus is the ‘Light of the World’, a light to show us the way in the darkness.

Third Candle - We give thanks - because Mary accepted the greatest gift of all -that of Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour.

Fourth Candle - We come to worship - because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts and minds with the presence the God.

Last Candle - Now we light our last candle to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which we celebrate this Christmas Day.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2 NIV)

(Light the white Christ Candle)

God our Father, today the Saviour is born and those who live in darkness are seeing a great light. Help us, who greet the birth of Christ with joy, to live in the light of your Son and to share the good news of your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who has come into the world. Amen.

Holy God you left the glory of heaven to take upon yourself our fragile humanity. You came to us in love and yet we denied you room and you were laid in a manger. We have lit candles of Hope and Promise, Light, Mary’s Gift and Worship. M these virtues shine brightly in our lives as we welcome you into our hearts this Christmas. Amen.