WELCOME JESUS

AN ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

This liturgy was originally devised for the HCPT Carol Service held at Northampton’s Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate & St Thomas of Canterbury in
December 2009. It is structured around the lighting of the five candles of the Advent Wreath, with a reading and song and sometimes a reflection or symbolic
action at each of the five "stations". You will need:
ƒ A large Advent Wreath, placed prominently & accessibly in the focal point or sanctuary area
ƒ A Lectionary or Bible for the readings
ƒ A Baby Jesus Crib figure
ƒ A crib or manger to place Baby Jesus figure in, and the resources for the Symbolic Action - Cloth for the Cradle
ƒ A copy of the Wild Goose Worship Group book “Cloth for the Cradle” (See resource list below)

The PowerPoint presentation to accompany this liturgy can be downloaded from our website at www.cjmmusic.com
Gathering O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Ttry the contemporary arrangement from Carols in the City, CD. If you have the CD
sheet music and backing tracks can be downloaded from the resource website

Greeting & Let us pray: The Leader/Presider may say a few

Opening Prayer informal words of welcome to set
Father in heaven, the scene and then lead of invite
our hearts desire the warmth of your love the assembly to join in this prayer,
which is the opening prayer for the
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
1st Sunday of Advent.
Increase our longing for Christ our Saviour
and give us the strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming
may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
AMEN
Copyright © ICEL

Candle Lighting First Candle on Advent Wreath is lit

“We light a Candle for hope…”

1st Reading Isaiah 9:1-7

“The People that walked in darkness Have seen a great light”

Song Ready The Way (By Curtis Stephan) During this song, the SYMBOLIC
From Spirit & Song Book 2, no. 293 ACTION below takes place

Symbolic Action Cloth for the Cradle "Manger" is prepared by members

From the book "Cloth for the Cradle" © Iona Community of the assembly
who place strips of fabric within
it manger

Prayer/Litany Into the darkness of our world: A Reader leads and the people
COME LORD AND SAVE US, make the response in CAPITALS
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE ON US.
Into the confusion of our world:
COME LORD AND SAVE US,
WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR, BE OUR GUIDE.
Into violence of our world:
COME LORD AND SAVE US,
PRINCE OF PEACE REIGN OVER US.
Come, Lord, Jesus:
DO NOT DELAY

Candle Lighting Second Candle on Advent Wreath is lit

“We light a Candle for peace…”

2nd Reading Luke 1:26-33 - “The Annunciation”

 Song Hail Mary
From “The Promise” CD by Boyce & Stanley

Candle Lighting Third Candle on Advent Wreath is lit

“We light a Candle for joy…”

3rd Reading Luke 2:1-7

“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child”

Song O Little Town (Verses 1 - 3)

Try the melody by Boyce & Stanley from the Christmas EP “Born in Bethlehem”
FREE melody & chords download at www.cjmmusic.com

Link & Explanation After verse 3, as instrumental music continues gently, the Leader/Presider says the
following or similar words to introduce the Placing of Jesus in the manger
They laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.
As we place the Baby Jesus in the manger that we have prepared for him
here, let us pray that this Christmas and always, we will be willing to make
room for Christ to dwell in our hearts and work in our lives.

Procession Placing of Jesus in Manger

music continues instrumentally…

Song O Little Town (continues with Verse 4)

Candle Lighting Fourth Candle on Advent Wreath is lit

“We light a Candle for justice…”

4th Reading/Reflection Adoration Gentle instrumental music in

background that segues into
From “The Promise Resource Pack”
the next song
Song Love Shone Down

Candle Lighting Fifth Candle on Advent Wreath is lit

“We light a Candle for faith…”

5th Reading: Luke 2:15-20 This reading is optional and

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened…” may be omitted

Leader Leader/Presider says the following or similar words to introduce the prayer:
Christ comes to dwell in our lives once more
and so together we proclaim:
Prayer Welcome Jesus ALL SAY TOGETHER
From the book "Cloth for the Cradle" by The Wild Goose Resource Group Words need to be on Screen
or in service booklet

Dismissal Closing remarks, prayer and/or Blessing as appropriate

Song Hark The Ding Dong Gentlemen of Joy (Carol Medley) Or choose another suitable Carol
or Advent hymn
From “The Promise” CD by Boyce & Stanley

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR THIS LITURGY

Spirit & Song, Vol. 2 Cloth for the Cradle The Promise Born in Bethlehem
Music Book Worship Resource book CD & Resource Pack Christmas CD (EP)