Welcome to our Action for Children Carol Service

Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort for God's People 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:1-5

3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. Isaiah 40:1-5

5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Let earth and heaven combine

Let earth and heaven combine, Angels and all agree, To praise in songs divine, The incarnate Deity, Our God contracted to a span, Incomprehensibly made man. Let earth and heaven combine, Angels and all agree, To praise in songs divine, The incarnate Deity, Our God contracted to a span, Incomprehensibly made man. Let earth and heaven combine

He laid His glory by, He wrapped Him in our clay; Unmarked by human eye, The latent Godhead lay; Infant of days He here became, And bore the mild Immanuel's name. He laid His glory by, He wrapped Him in our clay; Unmarked by human eye, The latent Godhead lay; Infant of days He here became, And bore the mild Immanuel's name. Let earth and heaven combine

Unsearchable the love That has the Saviour brought; The grace is far above Both earth’s or angels' thought: Suffice for us that God, we know, Our God is manifest below. Unsearchable the love That has the Saviour brought; The grace is far above Both earth’s or angels' thought: Suffice for us that God, we know, Our God is manifest below. Let earth and heaven combine

He deigns in flesh to appear, Widest extremes to join; To bring our vileness near, And make us all divine; And we the life of God shall know, For God is manifest below. He deigns in flesh to appear, Widest extremes to join; To bring our vileness near, And make us all divine; And we the life of God shall know, For God is manifest below. Let earth and heaven combine

Made perfect first in love, And sanctified by grace, We shall from earth remove, And see His glorious face: His love shall then be fully showed, And we shall all be lost in God. Charles Wesley ( ) Made perfect first in love, And sanctified by grace, We shall from earth remove, And see His glorious face: His love shall then be fully showed, And we shall all be lost in God. Charles Wesley ( ) Let earth and heaven combine

The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem Let earth and heaven combine

An opening prayer

Almighty God, We have all travelled to be at this service. Some may have come from a distance In order to spend Christmas with family or friends. Others may be here from the local community; Still others have come because this is their regular place of worship. An opening prayer

This evening we will hear of many journeys; Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem; The shepherds running to see the baby; the wise men coming from afar with gifts; The holy family fleeing to Egypt. An opening prayer

As we hear again about these journeys, Give us a deeper understanding Of what it must have meant To play a part in this story. An opening prayer

But let us not lose sight of the greatest journey of all; That of Jesus, who though He could claim the highest place by right, Laid His glory aside, and came to be one of us, Born in a stable to an ordinary couple. An opening prayer

Even as we rejoice in the birth of this child, May we bow down in worship before Him; For He is the one who lived, died and was raised, So that just as He shared in our poverty, So we may share in His glory. Amen An opening prayer

O come, O come, Immanuel

O come, O come, Immanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, Immanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, Immanuel

O come, O come, O Lord of might, Who to Your tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times did give the law In cloud, and majesty, and awe: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, O Lord of might, Who to Your tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times did give the law In cloud, and majesty, and awe: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, Immanuel

O come, O Rod of Jesse, free Your own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Your people save And give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O Rod of Jesse, free Your own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Your people save And give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, Immanuel

O come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O come, Immanuel

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Your advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. Tr. John Mason Neale O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Your advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. Tr. John Mason Neale O come, O come, Immanuel

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Luke 1:26-38

Joseph gets a visit

Joseph’s poem

Tell, out, my soul

Tell, out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice; Tender to me the promise of His word; In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice. Tell, out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice; Tender to me the promise of His word; In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice. Tell, out, my soul

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name! Make known His might, the deeds His arm has done; His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy name, the Lord, the mighty One. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name! Make known His might, the deeds His arm has done; His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy name, the Lord, the mighty One. Tell, out, my soul

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, The hungry fed, the humble lifted high. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, The hungry fed, the humble lifted high. Tell, out, my soul

Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word! Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure: Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord To children’s children and forever more! © 1961 Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926- ) Adm Oxford University Press Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word! Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure: Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord To children’s children and forever more! © 1961 Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926- ) Adm Oxford University Press Tell, out, my soul

Mary’s Well, Nazareth Photo by Barbara McIntevy Mary’s Well, Nazareth Photo by Barbara McIntevy Tell, out, my soul

Luke 2:1-5

Joseph’s Monologue

Luke 2:6-7

The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, And they said that His name was Jesus. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, And they said that His name was Jesus. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

The angels sang when the baby was born, And proclaimed Him the Saviour Jesus. The angels sang when the baby was born, And proclaimed Him the Saviour Jesus. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

The wise men saw where the baby was born, And they saw that His name was Jesus. The wise men saw where the baby was born, And they saw that His name was Jesus. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Author unknown. Oh, yes! believer. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Author unknown. The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

Luke

See, amid the winter's snow

See, amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See, the Lamb of God appears, Promised from eternal years! See, amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See, the Lamb of God appears, Promised from eternal years! See, amid the winter's snow

Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! See, amid the winter's snow

Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies, He who, throned in height sublime, Sits amid the cherubim! Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies, He who, throned in height sublime, Sits amid the cherubim! See, amid the winter's snow

Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! See, amid the winter's snow

Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today; Wherefore have you left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep? Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today; Wherefore have you left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep? See, amid the winter's snow

Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! See, amid the winter's snow

‘As we watched at dead of night, Lo, we saw a wondrous light: Angels, singing, “Peace on earth” Told us of a Saviour’s birth.’ ‘As we watched at dead of night, Lo, we saw a wondrous light: Angels, singing, “Peace on earth” Told us of a Saviour’s birth.’ See, amid the winter's snow

Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! See, amid the winter's snow

Sacred Infant, all divine, Tender love so pure and mild Comes from heaven’s highest bliss Down to such a world as this! Sacred Infant, all divine, Tender love so pure and mild Comes from heaven’s highest bliss Down to such a world as this! See, amid the winter's snow

Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Edward Caswall ( ) Hail, the ever-blessèd morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Edward Caswall ( ) See, amid the winter's snow

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Matthew 2:1-12

Riding out across the desert

Riding out across the desert, Travelling over sandy plains, Comes a company of wise men, Moving steadily along their way; Riding out across the desert, Travelling over sandy plains, Comes a company of wise men, Moving steadily along their way; Riding out across the desert

Leaving all their friends behind them, Guided by the star so bright, Now they've got to keep on going Must not let the star get out of sight Leaving all their friends behind them, Guided by the star so bright, Now they've got to keep on going Must not let the star get out of sight Riding out across the desert

Riding through the desert, Gently the wise men go, Onwards to the king Who was promised long ago; Riding through the desert, Gently the wise men go, Onwards to the king Who was promised long ago; Riding out across the desert

But they don't know where they're going to find Him There’s many towns to search, So they'll keep on following the star, For it will lead them to His place of birth. But they don't know where they're going to find Him There’s many towns to search, So they'll keep on following the star, For it will lead them to His place of birth. Riding out across the desert

Wise men on their desert journey, Travelling many miles so far Though they're getting tired and weary Town of Bethlehem is not too far: Wise men on their desert journey, Travelling many miles so far Though they're getting tired and weary Town of Bethlehem is not too far: Riding out across the desert

How they long to worship Jesus And honour Him with royal gifts, Hearts are full of joy and wonder As they’re searching for the new born King. How they long to worship Jesus And honour Him with royal gifts, Hearts are full of joy and wonder As they’re searching for the new born King. Riding out across the desert

Riding through the desert, Gently the wise men go, Onwards to the king Who was promised long ago; Riding through the desert, Gently the wise men go, Onwards to the king Who was promised long ago; Riding out across the desert

But they don't know where they're going to find Him There’s many towns to search, So they'll keep on following the star, for it will lead them to His place of birth. Peter Ratclife © Peter Ratcliffe, Adm The Jubilate Group But they don't know where they're going to find Him There’s many towns to search, So they'll keep on following the star, for it will lead them to His place of birth. Peter Ratclife © Peter Ratcliffe, Adm The Jubilate Group Riding out across the desert

A talk

In the bleak midwinter

In the bleak midwinter, Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow; In the bleak midwinter, Long ago. In the bleak midwinter

Heaven cannot hold Him, Nor the earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter A stable-place sufficed God, the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ. In the bleak midwinter

Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air. But His mother only, In her maiden bliss, Worshipped the Belovèd With a kiss. In the bleak midwinter

What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him— Give my heart. Christina G. Rossetti ( ) In the bleak midwinter

Market Deeping, Lincolnshire In the bleak midwinter

A prayer for others

Gracious God, We bring our gifts to You with thankful hearts, For You are a generous God, And You have given us every good thing that we possess. Yet we know that this world is full of people in need. A prayer for others

And so we pray for the wider world, Thinking especially of people with power and influence. We ask that they may consider the needs of those they serve More than their own status. A prayer for others

We pray for Your church everywhere. We ask that those who believe in You May love one another as Christ commands. A prayer for others

We pray for those in need at this time; For the sick, especially any who are known to us. In particular, we pray for the work of Action for Children. We ask for your blessing upon paid staff And upon volunteers. A prayer for others

May they serve others as if serving Christ Himself. Be with the children and families with whom they work. May they truly experience the love of Christ Through the service of those who act in His name. A prayer for others

Finally, we pray for ourselves and for our families and friends. Grant that we may make room for Jesus In our hearts and our homes this Christmas. In His name we pray. Amen A prayer for others

Silent night, holy night

Silent night, holy night! Sleeps the world; hid from sight, Mary and Joseph in stable bare Watch o’er the Child beloved and fair, Sleeping in heavenly rest, Sleeping in heavenly rest. Silent night, holy night! Sleeps the world; hid from sight, Mary and Joseph in stable bare Watch o’er the Child beloved and fair, Sleeping in heavenly rest, Sleeping in heavenly rest. Silent night, holy night

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds first saw the light, Heard resounding clear and long, Far and near, the angel-song: ‘Christ the Redeemer is here, Christ the Redeemer is here.’ Silent night, holy night! Shepherds first saw the light, Heard resounding clear and long, Far and near, the angel-song: ‘Christ the Redeemer is here, Christ the Redeemer is here.’ Silent night, holy night

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, O how bright Love is smiling from Thy face! Strikes for us now the hour of grace, Saviour, since Thou art born, Saviour, since Thou art born. Joseph Mohr ( ) Tr. S. A. Brooke ( ) Silent night, holy night! Son of God, O how bright Love is smiling from Thy face! Strikes for us now the hour of grace, Saviour, since Thou art born, Saviour, since Thou art born. Joseph Mohr ( ) Tr. S. A. Brooke ( ) Silent night, holy night

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Joseph gets another visit

Offertory for Action for Children

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Hark! the herald angels sing

Join the triumph of the skies, With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ Hark! the herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Join the triumph of the skies, With the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ Hark! the herald-angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Hark! the herald angels sing

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hark! the herald angels sing

Hail, the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Hail, the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Hark! the herald angels sing

Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail, the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings: Mild He lays His glory by, Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail, the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings: Mild He lays His glory by, Hark! the herald angels sing

Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Charles Wesley Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Charles Wesley Hark! the herald angels sing

The Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem

A blessing

Gracious God, You called Mary and Joseph, Welcomed humble shepherds And guided the wise men. A blessing

May we go from here knowing ourselves accepted, Ready to hear Your call And to follow where You lead; And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Be upon you and remain with you this Christmas time and always. Amen A blessing

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