The Gathering

Our worship begins at the sound of the bell, please stand as the sacred ministers enter, during which the introit hymn is sung.

Hark! a herald voice is calling:
‘Christ is nigh!’ it seems to say;
‘cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!’

Startled at the solemn warning,
let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her sun, all sloth dispelling,
shines upon the morning skies.

Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
comes with pardon down from heav’n;
let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
one and all to be forgiv’n.

So when next he comes with glory,
wrapping all the earth in fear,
may he then, as our defender,
on the clouds of heav’n appear.

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
to the Father and the Son,
with the co-eternal Spirit,
while unending ages run.

Words: 6th century
translated by Edward Caswall (1824-1878)
Music: William Henry Monk (1823-1889)
Hymn Tune: MERTON

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

The Greeting

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you

and also with you.

Words of Welcome

Lighting of the Advent Candle

The president moves to the Advent Wreath to light the first of the Advent candles. This week the candle helps us to remember the Patriarchs and Matriarchs – Abraham and Sarah, our father and mother in faith, and David the ancestor in whose city Jesus was born.

God of Abraham and Sarah,
and all the patriarchs and matriarchs of old,
you are our Father and Mother too.
Your love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and Son of David.
Help us in preparing to celebrate his birth
to make our hearts ready for your Holy Spirit
to make his home among us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world.

Amen.

The first candle is lit.

Lord Jesus, light of the world,
born in David’s city of Bethlehem,
born like him to be a king:
be born in our hearts at Christmas,
be King of our lives today.
Amen.

Invitation to Confession

A voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’. So let us listen and turn to the Lord in penitence and faith.

Silence is kept.

Heavenly Father,
you have created a universe of light:
forgive us when we return to darkness.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus,
you are the light of the world:
cleanse and heal our blinded sight.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit,
you give us light in our hearts:
renew us in faith and love.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

A setting of the ‘Kyrie eleison’ is sung by the Choir.

Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy,
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy.

The president says:

Almighty God,
who in Jesus Christ has given us
a kingdom that cannot be destroyed,
forgive us our sins,
open our eyes to God’s truth,
strengthen us to do God’s will
and give us the joy of his kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please sit.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Jeremiah 33.14-16

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand as the gradual hymn is sung. During the hymn a procession will make its way to the centre of the nave from where the Gospel for the day is read. To symbolise our desire to turn to Christ in our daily lives, at the end of the hymn we remain standing and turn to face the place where the Gospel is proclaimed.

The Lord will come and not be slow,
his footsteps cannot err;
before him righteousness shall go,
his royal harbinger.

Truth from the earth, like to a flow’r,
shall bud and blossom then;
and justice, from her heav’nly bow’r,
look down on mortal men.

The nations all whom thou hast made
shall come, and all shall frame
to bow them low before thee, Lord,
and glorify thy name.

For great thou art, and wonders great
by thy strong hand are done:
thou in thy everlasting seat
remainest God alone.

Words: John Milton (1608-1674)
based on Psalms 82, 85 and 86
Music: William Jones (1726-1800)
Hymn Tune: SAINT STEPHEN

Gospel Reading

cf Isaiah 40.3-5

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Luke 21.25-36

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Please sit after the preacher leads us in prayer.

An Affirmation of Faith

Please stand with the president.

Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Though he was divine,
he did not cling to equality with God,
but made himself nothing.
Taking the form of a slave,
he was born in human likeness.
He humbled himself
and was obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore God has raised him on high,
and given him the name above every name:
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

cf Philippians 2.6-11

Prayers of Intercession

Following an invitation to pray from the intercessor we kneel or sit to pray.

The response to the bidding:

Lord, in your mercy.

Hear our prayer.

then at the end:

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Blessing of the Posada

At the end of the prayers, the Posada set (see the notices for more information) is blessed and given to the first home receiving them using these words.

Lord God our Father,
we give you thanks and praise
for this season of Advent.
As Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem
we pray you bless our journey through this season
and these Posada figures
that as they are welcomed into homes in our parish
they will help us make ready for the coming of your Son
our Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Those receiving the figures respond:

Lord God our Father,
we receive these figures with thanks
and pray that as we welcome them into our house
you may visit us with your love
and help us make space in our lives
to welcome your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

Please stand.

The Peace

In the tender mercy of our God,
the dayspring from on high shall break upon us,
to give light to those who dwell in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

cf Luke 1.78,79

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

This is usually a handshake shared with those near you.

Preparation of the Table

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

A hymn is sung. During this hymn a collection, our financial offering in support of the work of the church both at St. Mary’s and across our diocese, is taken.

You can place cash or giving envelopes in the collection plates as they are passed around. If you would prefer, or if you miss the plate, you can also give by tapping your contactless card or device on the giving kiosk by the door as you leave, or on our donations page.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here,
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou key of David, come
and open wide our heav’nly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of might,
who to the tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient time didst give the Law,
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

Words: from the ‘Great O Antiphons’ (12th century)
translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
Music: adapted by Thomas Helmore (1811-1890) from a French Missal
arranged by Colin Hand (1929-2015)
Hymn Tune: VENI EMMANUEL

Taking of the Bread and Wine

As this bread was scattered
and then gathered and made one,
so may your Church be gathered into your kingdom.

Glory to you, O God, for ever.

Wisdom has built her a house;
she has mixed her wine; she has set her table.

Glory to you, O God, for ever.

Please kneel or sit.

The Eucharistic Prayer (A)

The Lord is here.

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is indeed right and good to give you thanks and praise,
almighty God and everlasting Father,
through Jesus Christ your Son.
For when he humbled himself
to come among us in human flesh,
he fulfilled the plan you formed
before the foundation of the world
to open for us the way of salvation.
Confident that your promise will be fulfilled,
we now watch for the day
when Christ our Lord will come again in glory.
And so we join our voices with angels and archangels
and with all the company of heaven
to proclaim your glory for ever praising you and singing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might.
Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessèd is he, O blessèd is he 
who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.  

Accept our praises, heavenly Father,
through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and as we follow his example and obey his command,
grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit
these gifts of bread and wine
may be to us his body and his blood;
who, in the same night that he was betrayed,
took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper
he took the cup and gave you thanks;
he gave it to them, saying:
Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it,
in remembrance of me.

Therefore, heavenly Father,
we remember his offering of himself
made once for all upon the cross;
we proclaim his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension;
we look for the coming of your kingdom,
and with this bread and this cup
we make the memorial of Christ your Son our Lord.

Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,
until you come in glory, until you come in glory. 

Accept through him, our great high priest,
this our sacrifice of thanks and praise,
and as we eat and drink these holy gifts
in the presence of your divine majesty,
renew us by your Spirit,
inspire us with your love
and unite us in the body of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him, and with him, and in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
with all who stand before you in earth and heaven,
we worship you, Father almighty,
in songs of everlasting praise:

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
Amen.

Silence is kept.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break this bread
to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

The Agnus Dei is sung as the bread is broken for distribution.

Lamb of God, 
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, 
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, 
you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.

Invitation to Communion

Draw near with faith.
Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ
which he gave for you,
and his blood which he shed for you.
Eat and drink
in remembrance that he died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts
by faith with thanksgiving.

Most merciful Lord,
your love compels us to come in.
Our hands were unclean,
our hearts were unprepared;
we were not fit
even to eat the crumbs from under your table.
But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation,
and share your bread with sinners.
So cleanse and feed us
with the precious body and blood of your Son,
that he may live in us and we in him;
and that we, with the whole company of Christ,
may sit and eat in your kingdom.
Amen.

The president and people receive communion. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament. Please follow the guidance offered by the stewards.

If you are not baptised, or would prefer to not receive, then do still come forward for a blessing bringing this book with you so the president knows your intention.

The sacrament is available in both kinds, however if you wish to only receive the bread please do so and then return to your place. Receiving in one kind is still considered to be full communion by the Church of England. Please do not dip bread in the wine (sometimes called ‘intincting’).

For those at home it might be helpful to use this prayer during the distribution.

Come, Lord God, change us and we shall be changed.
Come, increase our awareness of your presence.
Come, strengthen our love for you.
Come, fill our hearts with holiness.
Come, awaken us to be ready and watchful for your coming.
Come, Lord God, change us and we shall be changed;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Anthem

Sung by the Choir.

This is the truth sent from above,
the truth of God, the God of love,
therefore don’t turn me from your door,
but hearken all both rich and poor.

The first thing which I do relate
is that God did man create;
the next thing which to you I’ll tell
woman was made with man to dwell.

Thus we were heirs to endless woes,
till God the Lord did interpose;
and so a promise soon did run
that he would redeem us by his Son.

And at that season of the year
our blest Redeemer did appear;
he here did live, and here did preach,
and many thousands he did teach.

Thus he in love to us behaved,
to show us how we must be saved;
and if you want to know the way,
be pleased to hear what he did say.

Words: & Music: English traditional carol
arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

The following communion hymns may be sung during the distribution as time allows. Please remain seated.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of ev’ry nation,
joy of ev’ry longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit,
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Music: John Stainer (1840-1901)
Hymn Tune: CROSS OF JESUS

Thy kingdom come on bended knee
the passing ages pray;
and faithful souls have yearned to see
on earth that kingdom’s day.

But the slow watches of the night
not less to God belong;
and for the everlasting right
the silent stars are strong.

And lo, already on the hills
the flags of dawn appear;
gird up your loins, ye prophet souls,
proclaim the day is near.

The day in whose clear-shining light
all wrong shall stand revealed,
when justice shall be throned in might,
and ev’ry hurt be healed.

When knowledge, hand in hand with peace,
shall walk the earth abroad:
the day of perfect righteousness,
the promised day of God.

Words: Frederick Lucian Hosmer (1840-1929)
Music: melody from ‘Hymns and Sacred Poems’, Dublin (1749)
Hymn Tune: IRISH

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand as the president introduces a time of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

O Lord our God,
make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear,
he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service
and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Almighty God,
we thank you for feeding us
with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Through him we offer you our souls and bodies
to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out
in the power of your Spirit
to live and work
to your praise and glory.
Amen.

A hymn is sung.

Lo, he comes with clouds descending,
once for favoured sinners slain;
thousand, thousand saints attending
swell the triumph of his train.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ appears on earth to reign.

Ev’ry eye shall now behold him
robed in dreadful majesty;
we who set at naught and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,
shall the true Messiah see.

Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshippers:
with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture
gaze we on those glorious scars!

Yea, amen! let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Saviour, take the pow’r and glory,
claim the kingdom for thine own.
O come quickly, O come quickly, O come quickly!
Alleluia! Come, Lord, come!

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788),
John Cennick (1718-1755) and Martin Madan (1726-1790)
Music: from John Wesley’s ‘Select Hymns with Tunes Annext’ (1765)
Hymn Tune: HELMSLEY

The Dismissal

The Blessing

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,
scatter the darkness from before your path,
and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

The Dismissal

Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.