1. Welcome to our Carol Service for Action for Children

2. O little town of Bethlehem by Annie Lennox

3. A call to worship

4. Once in royal David’s city

5. Once, in royal David’s city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for His bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child. Once in royal David’s city

6. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall: With the needy, poor and lowly Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Once in royal David’s city

7. And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above; And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone. Once in royal David’s city

8. Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high; There His children gather round, Bright like stars, with glory crowned. Cecil F. Alexander (1818-95) Once in royal David’s city

9. Bethlehem Once in royal David’s city

10. A prayer

11. Almighty God, great Creator, We worship You. You made our world, with all its variety Of colours, textures, tastes, smells, sounds and shapes. You were there at the beginning when everything came into being; When everything comes to an end, You will also be there. A prayer

12. You have made time and space, So that we can make sense of what is around us. Almighty God, great Creator, We worship You. A prayer

13. Almighty God, Living Word, We worship You. Although people turned away from You, You always had a plan to bring them home. At just the right time, You came to us in Jesus. Like every person here, You spent months inside Your mother, Growing and developing as a human being. A prayer

14. You grew to manhood, and went about doing good, Living in a way that pleased God. You died on the cross so that we might be forgiven And have a new start. You rose from the dead, And now You are alive for evermore. Almighty God, Living Word, We worship You. A prayer

15. Almighty God, Holy Spirit, We Worship You. You have drawn all of us here And You have something to say to us. You are the same Spirit who hovered over the waters of creation; You are the same Spirit who guided heroes of old; You are the same Spirit sent for all people On the day of Pentecost. A prayer

16. You are present with us here and now, Making this very moment special. Almighty God, Holy Spirit, We worship You. A prayer

17. Almighty God, Great Creator, Living Word, Holy Spirit, We worship You. This time is Yours; We dedicate it to You; As we listen again to the familiar Christmas story, Help us to see it through Your eyes, And wonder again at Your gift of love. A prayer

18. Almighty God, Great Creator, Living Word, Holy Spirit, We worship You. Amen A prayer

19. A calendar

20. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2,6-7

21. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2,6-7

22. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2,6-7

23. In our hoping and dreaming Lord, all time is Yours Isaiah 9:2,6-7

24. Long ago, prophets knew

25. 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

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

27. 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

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

29. 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

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

31. 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

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

34. A pregnancy testing kit

35. The birth of Jesus foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ Luke 1:26-38

36. 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’ Luke 1:26-38

37. 34 ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.’ Luke 1:26-38

38. 38 ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38

39. In days of doubt and uncertainty – Lord, all time is Yours Luke 1:26-38

40. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

41. 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

42. '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

43. 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

44. 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

46. A telephone

47. Joseph accepts Jesus as his son 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: his mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 9 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-25

48. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ Matthew 1:18-25

49. 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). Matthew 1:18-25

50. 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25

51. In the giving and hearing of news – Lord, all time is Yours Matthew 1:18-25

52. As Joseph was a-walking

53. As Joseph was a-walking, he heard an angel sing: 'This night shall be bornèd our heavenly King. As Joseph was a-walking

54. 'He neither shall be bornèd in housen nor in hall, Nor in the place of Paradise, but in an ox's stall. As Joseph was a-walking

55. 'He neither shall be clothèd in purple nor in pall, But in fair white linen, as usen babies all. As Joseph was a-walking

56. 'He neither shall be rockèd in silver nor in gold, But in a wooden cradle that rocks upon the mould. As Joseph was a-walking

57. 'He neither shall be christenèd in white wine nor red, But with the fair spring water with which were christenèd.' Ancient Mysteries Described As Joseph was a-walking

59. An appointment card

60. Mary visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-56

61. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!’ Luke 1:39-56

62. Mary’s song 46 And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. Luke 1:39-56

63. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:39-56

64. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants for ever, just as he promised our ancestors.’ 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Luke 1:39-56

65. In the advice we give and receive – Lord, all time is Yours Luke 1:39-56

66. Tell, out, my soul

67. A scan

68. 1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-18

69. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-18

70. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, Psalm 139:1-18

71. 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:1-18

72. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:1-18

73. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:1-18

74. In the ways that you form and change us Lord, all time is Yours Psalm 139:1-18

75. In the bleak midwinter

76. Something bought for the nursery

77. 55 ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Matthew 13:55

78. In the planning and the preparation Lord, all time is Yours Matthew 13:55

79. O little town of Bethlehem

80. A bag packed for hospital

81. The birth of Jesus 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2:1-7

82. 4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-7

83. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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. Luke 2:1-7

84. In the excitement, as hope turns to certainty Lord, all time is Yours Luke 2:1-7

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

86. 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

87. 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

88. 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

90. Cards of congratulation

91. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, 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. Luke 2:8-20

92. 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 2:8-20

93. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ Luke 2:8-20

94. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ Luke 2:8-20

95. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:8-20

96. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:8-20

97. In times of joy and celebration Lord, all time is Yours Luke 2:8-20

98. Hark! the herald angels sing

99. 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

100. 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

101. 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

102. 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

103. 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

104. 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

106. Prayers for others

107. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others

108. Dear God, Thank you for the lovely family that we have. Please help the children that aren’t like us. Please give everyone lots of food. Amen. Prayer (by Amy Needham)

109. We thank You, Lord, not just for our family at home, but for the church family gathered around us. At this busy time, show us how to make time for one another. As we enjoy ourselves, it’s hard to remember those for whom Christmas is not a happy time. May Your church be a place where all are valued and cared for. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others

110. Dear God, Help us on this day to think about these children in pain and all of the people who help them to live happier lives. Amen Prayer (by Alexandra Cooper)

111. We pray for all children who suffer at this time, whether from illness, or because of neglect. We pray for all charities, which, like Action for Children, work to help children and families have better lives. Be with them, and help them to keep trusting in You, even when times are difficult. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others

112. Dear God, Help protect neglected children. Give them a safe place to stay and a respectful carer. Don’t let them get hurt through neglect. In Jesus’ name. Amen Prayer (by Sean Armstrong)

113. We pray for charities like Childline, who are often the first to hear if children are in difficulties. Give them a listening ear, and show them how to respond. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others

114. Dear God, Help us to remember to treat each other with respect and how we would like to be treated ourselves. Thank you for our lovely families. Amen Prayer (by Eva Turner)

115. Lord, we pray for our own families at Christmas time; for those who will be with us, and for those who will be far away; for those too young to understand all the excitement, and for those who feel sad because of memories of those who are no longer with us. Help us to be patient with one another, and show us how we can put the love of Jesus at the heart of Christmas. Lord, all time is Yours; Show us how best to use it. Prayers for others

116. Dear Lord, Make sure all of the neglected children find a new and better home. Thank you to Action for Children for making it happen. Amen Prayer

117. We bring all these prayers to You, together with the prayer given to us by the one who said ‘Let the children come to me’; even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen Prayers for others

118. We say the Lord’s Prayer We say together the prayer that Jesus gave us: 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.

119. We say the Lord’s Prayer Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Now and for ever. Amen.

120. Offering

121. Lord, everything that we have is Your gift. At this special time, When we remember that most precious gift of Your Son, We bring to You our own gifts in thankfulness. As we offer You our money, Give us grace to give You our lives as well, So that all we have and are May be used for Your glory. Amen Offering

122. O come, all ye faithful

123. 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

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

125. 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

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

127. 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

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

129. 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

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

131. 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

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

133. 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

134. 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

135. The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

136. Blessing

137. As we go and prepare for the coming of Jesus Lord, all time is Yours May we use our time well As we prepare for the coming of the baby in the manger; Blessing

138. And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Be upon you and remain with you This Christmas time and always. Amen Blessing

139. These resources were produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust for Action for Children. For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk © 2014 IDEAS. All material is copyright, but you are welcome to make use of these resources for Action for Children services These resources were produced by the Family Friendly Churches Trust for Action for Children. For more resources see www.ffctideas.org.uk © 2014 IDEAS. All material is copyright, but you are welcome to make use of these resources for Action for Children services