1. Welcome to our Action for Children Service

2. A call to worship

3. 7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalm 24:7-10

4. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10

5. Jerusalem Psalm 24:7-10

6. Make way, make way

7. Make way, make way, for Christ the King In splendour arrives. Fling wide the gates and welcome Him Into your lives. Make way, make way

8. Make way! (Make way!) For the King of kings. (For the King of kings.) Make way! (Make way!) And let His kingdom in. Make way, make way

9. He comes the broken hearts to heal, The prisoners to free. The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance, The blind shall see. Make way, make way

10. Make way! (Make way!) For the King of kings. (For the King of kings.) Make way! (Make way!) And let His kingdom in. Make way, make way

11. And those who mourn with heavy hearts, Who weep and sigh; With laughter, joy and royal crown He’ll beautify. Make way, make way

12. Make way! (Make way!) For the King of kings. (For the King of kings.) Make way! (Make way!) And let His kingdom in. Make way, make way

13. We call you now to worship Him As Lord of all. To have no gods before Him, Their thrones must fall! Make way, make way

14. Make way! (Make way!) For the King of kings. (For the King of kings.) Make way! (Make way!) And let His kingdom in. Graham Kendrick. © 1986 Thankyou Music. Make way, make way

15. The Golden Gate, Jerusalem Make way, make way

16. A prayer of praise

17. Creator God, We praise and worship You For all that You are and for all that You have done. You set this world in motion; You give the breath of life to every living thing; You give us the gifts of time and space So that we can make sense of the world. Creator God, We praise and worship You For all that You are and for all that You have done. You set this world in motion; You give the breath of life to every living thing; You give us the gifts of time and space So that we can make sense of the world. A prayer of praise

18. God the Son, We praise and worship You. By Your coming to live amongst us You give worth and dignity to all humanity. Through the diverse people who played a part In the story of Your birth, We learn that all people can find acceptance in You. God the Son, We praise and worship You. By Your coming to live amongst us You give worth and dignity to all humanity. Through the diverse people who played a part In the story of Your birth, We learn that all people can find acceptance in You. A prayer of praise

19. God the Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You. You have drawn each of us here tonight, And You have things to say to us. Speak to us through the old familiar story, So that as we listen again to something that we know so well, We may discover afresh what it means To be loved by You. God the Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You. You have drawn each of us here tonight, And You have things to say to us. Speak to us through the old familiar story, So that as we listen again to something that we know so well, We may discover afresh what it means To be loved by You. A prayer of praise

20. Gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You, Now and for ever. Amen Gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You, Now and for ever. Amen A prayer of praise

21. Isaiah 11:1-9

22. Photo Album

23. Long ago, prophets knew

24. Christ would come, born a Jew, Come to make all things new; Bear His people's burden, Freely love and pardon: Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come, born a Jew, Come to make all things new; Bear His people's burden, Freely love and pardon: Long ago, prophets knew

25. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Long ago, prophets knew

26. God in time, God in man, This is God's timeless plan: He will come, as a man, Born Himself of woman, God divinely human. God in time, God in man, This is God's timeless plan: He will come, as a man, Born Himself of woman, God divinely human. Long ago, prophets knew

27. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Long ago, prophets knew

28. Mary, hail! Though afraid, She believed, she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid, Till the time expected, Nurtured and protected: Mary, hail! Though afraid, She believed, she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid, Till the time expected, Nurtured and protected: Long ago, prophets knew

29. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When He comes, Who will make Him welcome? Long ago, prophets knew

30. Journey ends! Where afar Bethlem shines, like a star, Stable door stands ajar. Unborn Son of Mary, Saviour, do not tarry! Journey ends! Where afar Bethlem shines, like a star, Stable door stands ajar. Unborn Son of Mary, Saviour, do not tarry! Long ago, prophets knew

31. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Jesus comes, We will make Him welcome! F. Pratt Green (1903-2000) © 1971 Stainer & Bell Ltd. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Jesus comes, We will make Him welcome! F. Pratt Green (1903-2000) © 1971 Stainer & Bell Ltd. Long ago, prophets knew

32. Manger Square, Bethlehem Long ago, prophets knew

33. Photo Album

34. Luke 1:26-38

35. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

36. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; 'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; 'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

37. 'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold: Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! 'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold: Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

38. Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, 'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said, 'My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name': Most highly favoured lady; Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, 'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said, 'My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name': Most highly favoured lady; Gloria! The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

39. Of her, Immanuel, the Christ was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say 'Most highly favoured lady' Gloria! Basque Carol paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) Of her, Immanuel, the Christ was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say 'Most highly favoured lady' Gloria! Basque Carol paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

40. Nazareth Photo by Barbara McIntevy Nazareth Photo by Barbara McIntevy The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

41. Photo Album

43. Matthew 1:18-25

44. O little town of Bethlehem

45. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. O little town of Bethlehem

46. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to all the earth! For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to all the earth! For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O little town of Bethlehem

47. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in. O little town of Bethlehem

48. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today! We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel! Philips Brooks (1835-93) O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today! We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel! Philips Brooks (1835-93) O little town of Bethlehem

49. Bethlehem

50. Photo Album

51. Luke 2:1-7

52. Photo Album

53. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

54. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

55. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes: I love You, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes: I love You, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

56. Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask You to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Your tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with You there. Verses 1 & 2 unknown. Verse 3 J. T. McFarland. (c. 1906) Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask You to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Your tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with You there. Verses 1 & 2 unknown. Verse 3 J. T. McFarland. (c. 1906) Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

57. The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem

58. Photo Album

59. Luke 2:8

60. Photo Album

61. Luke 2:9-16

62. It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

63. It was on a starry night when the hills were bright, Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still; Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed A boy was born, King of all the world. It was on a starry night when the hills were bright, Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still; Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed A boy was born, King of all the world. It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

64. And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world. (Repeat) And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world. (Repeat) It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

65. Soon the shepherds came that way, where the baby lay, And were kneeling, kneeling by His side. And their hearts believed again, for the peace of men; For a boy was born, King of all the world. Soon the shepherds came that way, where the baby lay, And were kneeling, kneeling by His side. And their hearts believed again, for the peace of men; For a boy was born, King of all the world. It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

66. And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world. (Repeat) On a starry night, on a starry night Joy Webb © Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd Adm. by Song Solutions CopyCare And all the angels sang for Him, The bells of heaven rang for Him; For a boy was born, King of all the world. (Repeat) On a starry night, on a starry night Joy Webb © Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd Adm. by Song Solutions CopyCare It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

67. The Shepherds’ Fields, Bethlehem It was on a starry night when the hills were bright

68. Photo Album

69. Luke 2.17-20

70. A band of angels

71. A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels

72. A load of lads, A cold, cold night, An angel came down and gave them all a fright. The sheep went ‘baa’ The shepherds went white, And then they saw an amazing sight! A load of lads, A cold, cold night, An angel came down and gave them all a fright. The sheep went ‘baa’ The shepherds went white, And then they saw an amazing sight! A band of angels

73. A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels

74. (The angel said) ‘Now don’t be afraid, Have I news for you! The Saviour is born, this is what to do. In David’s town, You’ll find Him there, Lying in a manger without a care.’ (The angel said) ‘Now don’t be afraid, Have I news for you! The Saviour is born, this is what to do. In David’s town, You’ll find Him there, Lying in a manger without a care.’ A band of angels

75. A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels

76. The shepherds left Without delay, And found baby Jesus lying in the hay. They worshipped Him And were full of joy ‘Cause they had been invited to see the special boy The shepherds left Without delay, And found baby Jesus lying in the hay. They worshipped Him And were full of joy ‘Cause they had been invited to see the special boy A band of angels

77. A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time: I wonder why? A band of angels

78. A bunch of shepherds, (with echo) Had had a bad fright, But what a great night it had become. A bunch of shepherds, Had had a bad fright, But what a great night: ‘The King had come!’ A bunch of shepherds, (with echo) Had had a bad fright, But what a great night it had become. A bunch of shepherds, Had had a bad fright, But what a great night: ‘The King had come!’ A band of angels

79. A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time, We all know why. © John Hardwick A band of angels (with echo) Singing and dancing Having a party In the sky. A band of angels Singing and dancing Having a great time, We all know why. © John Hardwick A band of angels

80. The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem A band of angels

81. Photo Album

83. Matthew 2:1-8

84. We three kings of Orient are

85. We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star: We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star: We three kings of Orient are

86. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. We three kings of Orient are

87. Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign: Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign: We three kings of Orient are

88. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. We three kings of Orient are

89. Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high: Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high: We three kings of Orient are

90. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. We three kings of Orient are

91. Myrrh is mine, it’s bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Myrrh is mine, it’s bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. We three kings of Orient are

92. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. We three kings of Orient are

93. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice. Heaven sings: ‘Alleluia’; ‘Alleluia,’ the earth replies: Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice. Heaven sings: ‘Alleluia’; ‘Alleluia,’ the earth replies: We three kings of Orient are

94. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. J.H. Hopkins (1820-1891) O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. J.H. Hopkins (1820-1891) We three kings of Orient are

95. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

96. Photo Album

97. Matthew 2:9-12

98. See Him lying on a bed of straw

99. See Him lying on a bed of straw; Draughty stable with an open door, Mary cradling the babe she bore; The Prince of glory is His name: See Him lying on a bed of straw; Draughty stable with an open door, Mary cradling the babe she bore; The Prince of glory is His name: See Him lying on a bed of straw

100. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when He came. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when He came. See Him lying on a bed of straw

101. Star of silver, sweep across the skies, Show where Jesus in the manger lies; Shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise To see the Saviour of the world: Star of silver, sweep across the skies, Show where Jesus in the manger lies; Shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise To see the Saviour of the world: See Him lying on a bed of straw

102. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. See Him lying on a bed of straw

103. Angels, sing again the song you sang, Sing the story of God’s gracious plan; Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can Be the Saviour of us all: Angels, sing again the song you sang, Sing the story of God’s gracious plan; Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can Be the Saviour of us all: See Him lying on a bed of straw

104. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. See Him lying on a bed of straw

105. Mine are riches, from Your poverty; From Your innocence, eternity; Mine, forgiveness by Your death for me; Child of sorrow for my joy: See Him lying on a bed of straw

106. O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. Michael Perry. © Mrs B Perry Adm The Jubilate Group O now carry me to Bethlehem, To see the Lord of love again: Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of glory when He came. Michael Perry. © Mrs B Perry Adm The Jubilate Group See Him lying on a bed of straw

107. Bethlehem

108. A prayer for others

109. Gracious God, The snapshots that we have seen tonight Have been so familiar; Mary's obedience; Joseph's change of heart; The response of the innkeeper; the wonder of the shepherds; the homage of the wise men. A prayer for others

110. As we consider the Christmas story, Help us to look beyond the well-known pictures, And to enter into the reality Of all that happened during that first Christmas season. A prayer for others

111. Then give us grace to respond in obedience to your call, To take in all that you have done with renewed wonder, And to bring our humble worship To Jesus, born in a stable, our Lord and our Saviour. Amen A prayer for others

112. Photo Album

113. O come, all ye faithful

114. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels: O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels: O come, all ye faithful

115. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful

116. True God of true God, Light of light eternal, Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, Begotten, not created: True God of true God, Light of light eternal, Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, Begotten, not created: O come, all ye faithful

117. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful

118. See how the shepherds, Summoned to His cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps: See how the shepherds, Summoned to His cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps: O come, all ye faithful

119. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful

120. Lo, star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring, Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh; We to the Christ-child Bring our hearts' oblations: Lo, star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring, Offer Him incense, gold, and myrrh; We to the Christ-child Bring our hearts' oblations: O come, all ye faithful

121. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful

122. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: ‘Glory to God In the highest’: Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: ‘Glory to God In the highest’: O come, all ye faithful

123. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! O come, all ye faithful

124. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory given: Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing: Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory given: Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing: O come, all ye faithful

125. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80) O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80) O come, all ye faithful

126. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

127. A blessing

128. May the Blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Be upon you and remain with you always. Amen May the Blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Be upon you and remain with you always. Amen A blessing

129. IDEAS is produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust. For resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk © 2015 IDEAS. All material is copyright and should only be used by members of the scheme IDEAS is produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust. For resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk © 2015 IDEAS. All material is copyright and should only be used by members of the scheme