1. Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people: for unto you is born in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10–11) Christingle means ‘Christ’s Light’. In 1747, members of a Christians in Germany gave each a lighted candle in service like ours today, which came to our country in the late 1960’s. So this service is about Jesus, the Christ, and light. The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. Father God, as we prepare with joy to celebrate the gift of Jesus, the Christ-child, touch us with your love and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2. Luke 2: 1 - 14 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”

4. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around. “Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled minds. “Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind.”

5. “To you, in David’s town, this day Is born of David’s line, A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be the sign.” “All glory be to God on high, And on the earth be peace. Good will henceforth from Heaven to men Begin and never cease.”

10. Lord Jesus Christ, true Light of the World, all times and seasons belong to you. You fill this world with your gifts and give us new life Through the shedding of your blood. May we walk in your light, and show your light upon others, As we light our Christingles, bless us and help us to shine like them with your love and light. Amen.

12. Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, Shine into the lives of those who are alone and sad. We pray for children who have no homes or families; For children who are sick or disabled so they can’t play like us; For children who live in places where there is war or famine. Shine your light into their darkness. We pray for those who live in the darkness of fear, We pray for children who have run away from home or are at risk. Help us to pray and care for them that they may find safety and love. Shine your light in their darkness.

13. We pray for the place we live in. That our town, our school and our homes might show your love. We pray for those in authority, Those who teach us, and those who care for us. Help us to make our world a happy and fair place, Living as you would have us live. Shine your light into our lives.

14. Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours Now and for ever. Amen

15. And so Lord, as we close our prayers, we ask for your blessing. Help us to live in love and peace with one another This Christmas and every day of our lives. Amen.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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 Emmanuel.

19. May the light of Christ shine in our hearts so that we may be filled with his joy and peace. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us all and with those whom we love. Amen. Go in the peace of Christ, to bring light to all whom you meet. In the name of Christ. Amen.

20. Have Great Christmas