O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Isaiah 52:7-10
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
96
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
Hebrews 1:1-5
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Luke 2:1-14
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Luke's Gospel chapter 2, beginning at verse 1.
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.' 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'
After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, in Christmas joy and hope, let us confidently present to God our needs and those of the whole world. For the people of God; that they will celebrate the birth of Christ with a renewed commitment to share this Good News at every opportunity.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the leaders of the Church; that through humility and compassion they will show forth the love that God has demonstrated to us by sending Jesus.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For our inner cities; that they will be places free of poverty, violence and oppression.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For peace in the world; that nations will resolve their conflicts by submitting to the Prince of Peace.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those who are marginalized in society; the abandoned, the oppressed, the homeless and the unwanted child.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the sick; that they will join their sufferings to the sufferings of Christ as they wait expectantly for their healing.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For those families that have lost loved ones this year and will be celebrating the holidays for the first time without them.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful Father, the birth of Your Son renews our hope. Hear our prayer and give us the grace to make Your salvation known among the nations. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Gracious and compassionate God, You have prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies. Hear our prayer and give us eyes to see and a heart to desire the feast You have prepared for us at Your heavenly Banquet Table.
We ask this