Welcome to our service - 20 December
This service sheet can be used individually or with households.
We would encourage you to say (or even sing) hymns and songs out loud.
Prayers, other liturgy or readings can be said out loud or silently, corporately or individually.
If you are able, we would also like invite you to join us for our main Sunday service, 10am, live on Zoom. Even if you have never been to St Gabriel’s before we would love you to join you. Please get in touch with the vicar Alistair (vicar@saintgs.co.uk) and he will send you the Zoom details.
Due to the lockdown there will be no service in the church at 11:30 am. You are invited to come to church at the same time for private prayer between 11:30 - 12:30.
SERVICE
Opening
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who has come to his people and set them free.
Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
SING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzC9dxwRddc
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
'From God, all hail', the angel said to Mary,
most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!
'Fear not, for you shall bear a holy child,
by him shall man to God be reconciled,
his name shall be Emmanuel, the long foretold:
most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
`To me be as it pleases God', she said,
`My soul shall praise and magnify his holy name'.
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!
'And so,' she said, 'how happy I shall be!
All generations will remember me,
for God has kept the promises to Israel.'
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
in Bethlehem, upon that Christmas morn,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
`Most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!
Music Basque Carol arranged C.E. Pettman
© 1961 H Freeman.
Words: S. Baring-Gould © Jubilate Hymns
CONFESSION
We are gathered together to proclaim and receive in our hearts the good news of the coming of God’s kingdom, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate with confidence and joy the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We pray that we may respond in penitence and faith to the glory of his kingdom, its works of justice and its promise of peace, its blessing and its hope.
When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.
Christ came in humility to share our lives:
forgive our pride.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ came with good news for all people:
forgive our silence.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ came in love to a world of suffering:
forgive our self-centredness.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
ABSOLUTION
May the God of all healing and forgiveness
draw us to himself
and cleanse us from all our sins,
that we may behold the glory of his Son,
the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Alleluia.
COLLECT
Eternal God,
as Mary waited for the birth of your Son,
so we wait for his coming in glory;
bring us through the birth pangs of this present age
to see, with her, our great salvation
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
SING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqwoqRo9N6E
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 for evermore.
Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1926-
READINGS
Romans 16:25-27 New International Version – UK
Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith – to the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Luke 1:26-38 New International Version – UK
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 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, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’
‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’
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. 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. For no word from God will ever fail.’
‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.
And Mary said:
‘My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants for ever,
just as he promised our ancestors.’
TALK by Stuart Ibbotson
Now despite the first slide my talk is not predominantly about the angel after whom our church is named. I will concentrate on the main character in our reading from Luke, who is obviously Mary. I want to ask a question of ourselves this morning. Can we be more like Mary- obviously not many, if any of those listening to me will be teenage girls, so the obvious answer might be- how can I? But as I go through my talk, I want you to concentrate on the ways that you might think that you are, or could be more like Mary. Could we sing Mary’s song by the way we live our lives and serve the Lord.
You’ve probably heard this story from Luke many times before and may well know it off by heart- most non-church goers probably know this story pretty well. I want to begin by focussing on one particular phrase. I want to focus on the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary: “Do not be afraid.”
“Do not be afraid” was a kind of catchphrase among angels in the Bible, a way of telling the person in front of them to calm down. We find an example of this earlier in this chapter of Luke.
Angels show up, and they are glorious beings, and people would have been afraid- we have no real idea of what they look like, so the angels say “Do not be afraid.” Gabriel is one of only two named angels in Scripture. He is first mentioned back in the book of Daniel. Over 5 centuries earlier, this same Gabriel, had appeared to Daniel and told him about the future birth of the Messiah, in Daniel chapter 9.
But it’s not just about their own appearance that angels say ‘do not be afraid. In this passage where the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, I don’t think that it was so much his appearance that was going to give Mary reason to fear. I think he spoke the words “Do not be afraid” in order to pre-empt the message he was about to deliver. It was a message fraught with danger. It was the news that she was pregnant.
Now remember Mary is engaged (which was legally binding at this time), but not yet married, and so she is still living at home with her parents, and the assumption is that she would be chaste until she and Joseph came together and formed their own household. But now there’s this angel telling her that she is pregnant, and he tells her not to be afraid before he even gives her the news. He did this probably because he knew the chain of fears that might run through her mind immediately she received the news from him.
That chain of fears could have gone something like this: Joseph, knowing the child wasn’t his, would call off the marriage and leave her. For that reason, people would assume that her pregnancy was the result of unfaithfulness. Her parents might think the same thing and might disown her and throw her out. Friends might then forsake her. She would be shamed and either shunned or stoned as that was the penalty for adultery. Even if she weren’t stoned, she would be all alone during the trials and tribulations of pregnancy. We need to remind ourselves that Mary was VERY young, most likely in her mid-teens, so what she was about to be told would have been a big shock. She would have had every right to be frightened about this news which Gabriel brought her.
The Messiah, whom Mary is to give birth to, does not result from human efforts, He is a pure Gift, who comes down from God into the virgin womb. Obviously, Mary had to go through all that child birth brings.
This passage in Luke is where we get our line from the creed: Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. Nothing to do with any effort by man. Humanity has struggled and finally seems to be able to create something that beats covid-19, but we cannot save humanity as a whole, only the Messiah can do this. God the Father, through God the Spirit, gave to Mary God the Son – it’s all the work of God and Mary is entirely accepting of her role. As she says in v38: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”
In verse 31 Gabriel tells Mary that she is to call the baby Jesus. Both Joseph and Mary are told specifically that they must name Him “Jesus.”
To us English speakers, “Jesus” doesn’t mean much. But to Mary, a Hebrew-speaker, the name would have instantly conjured up images from the Old Testament. Mary would have heard him say “Call the boy ‘Joshua’”. You see the Anglicized name Jesus is the same as the Hebrew name “Joshua.”
So, Mary is being told: The Son of God is given to you and He will be a Real Joshua for the people. What did Joshua do?
Well, he was the Leader of Israel who brought them out of the desert and into the promised land. Out of their wilderness time of wandering, temptation and suffering and INTO a spacious place, into God’s rest.
Both “Jesus” and “Joshua” mean Saviour.
In verse 36 Gabriel also informs Mary that her older relative Elizabeth is also expecting, a miracle in its own right- and a baby who would prepare the way for Jesus- John the Baptist, whom Alistair spoke about last week.
Our readings from Luke this morning missed out the bit where Mary goes to visit her relative, when the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. Elizabeth says to Mary in v55: “Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!
If you are a sports fan you may feel that sudden emotional tug as a song is sung at your team’s stadium- well when you are allowed there of course. In the case of both Sheffield teams it would be most likely to be tears of sorrow that welled up during the course of a game this season.
But moving on with our readings from Luke this morning the reason I mention singing is Mary’s song:
This is also known as the Magnificat after the opening phrase.
What strikes me about this, given the situation in which Mary finds herself, is how little of the song is about herself. Yes, her spirit rejoices because of the favour shown her by God, but it was a blessing that she had received with initial trepidation.
Mary places her pregnancy not within the context of her own short life and the changes being wrought upon it, but in the context of the history of her people and the world at large - a mercy that stretches from one generation to another, the dream of ancient Israel. God had promised that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s family. Mary would have known the psalms and prophesies that had carried the hope of God’s mercy. That is why there are so many echoes of Hannah’s song over another small boy in 1 Samuel 2.
Mary is singing about everyone but herself. She is praising God for the gift of this son, and offering her understanding of both her place, and much more importantly his place, in the context of God’s revelation through the people of Israel, for the whole world. The very fact that this hymn of praise and prophesy has been treasured in Elizabeth’s memory to be repeated and retold down generations until it was captured in Luke’s Gospel for perpetuity as an offering us, suggests that it should have similar significance for our lives. We who profess ourselves Christians, carry the Christ-child within us. Could we sing a song like Mary’s, focused not on ourselves, but on what God has gifted us with, and its purpose for the world?
As humans we tend to be very good at focusing on ourselves; I know I catch myself doing it, time and time again through each and every day, as my mind slips back from what I’m meant to be doing for others, to what I want to do instead, what I think is right, what my dreams are.
In a world context, collectively humanity is also very good at focusing on the present and forgetting the prophesies and lessons of the past: otherwise, we wouldn’t have to worry about the prospects of a nuclear war, forgetting washed up refugees on shores distant and near, wasting millions with interminable arguing over political relationships while not providing for those most in need at home and abroad.
But, I want to finish by asking again that question which I posed at the beginning. Could we be more like Mary, do what Mary did, by serving the Lord, so just for example:
• If our lives sing a song that feeds the hungry, both physically and spiritually, we’re singing Mary’s song.
• If our actions lift up the lowly, and puncture the self-satisfaction of the powerful, we’re singing Mary’s song.
• If our voices challenge pride and hypocrisy among our leaders, we’re singing Mary’s song.
• If our arms are flung wide in sacrifice, we’re singing Mary’s song.
You may have come up with your own ways in which you personally could be more like Mary as I was talking, or ways, however small you think they are, that you are a little like Mary already.
Mary was one, lone, pregnant teenager, and because of her humility, and her understanding of what God wanted of her, for the good of the whole world, she sang a song that changed the world. Can we sing, like Mary sang as we continue to look forward in anticipation to Christmas and all that it means, and to our Saviour’s ultimate return? Amem
O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
Come and listen to me.
Jacques Berthier/Taizé.
Copyright © 1982 Ateliers et Presses de Taize (France).
PRAYERS - written by Christine Carney
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the way your angel greeted Mary with encouragement as she carried out her ordinary, everyday tasks: “The Lord is with you” and “Do not be afraid”. Father, we confess that we find it hard to be aware of your presence with us – and we are afraid of the spread of coronavirus. Help us to trust in you. Help us to listen carefully for your quiet leading – in all the busyness and noise of Christmas preparations. Help us to hear what you have to say to us personally – and be willing to respond.
Thank you for your loving kindness in providing Elizabeth to support Mary as she adjusted to this pregnancy and for the way they were both able to sense your presence in each other. Thank you for the way you provide people to support each one of us. Help us to appreciate them – and to sense your presence in them.
Heavenly Father, we commit to you the Greystones community and pray that you will open people’s hearts and minds, in these bleak times, to the light of your presence. We pray that you will help us, in St. Gabriel’s, to build positive relationships with the community and that people will be open to hearing about our love for you. Pour your Holy Spirit, Lord, on all the Christmas services, and especially on the two Natingle services on Christmas Eve. We pray that all those who come will feel welcome, and loved, and blessed by your presence.
Thank you for Alistair and Catherine and the children and all the hard work they have put into these services, and into trying to keep in contact with children and families. Please bless their family time together this Christmas and give them rest and renewal.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the skill of scientists in developing vaccines for COVID 19 so quickly. We pray for wisdom and fairness in the distribution of these across the UK. We cry out to you, too, for poor countries and for refugees, that the companies behind the vaccines will offer them free of charge – and that every country will benefit from them.
We pray for wisdom for friends and families over the Christmas period as they make difficult decisions about whether to mix together socially or to stay apart. We pray for your comfort, Lord, for those who will be alone or lonely this Christmas, and for those who feel trapped in difficult relationships. We pray for healing for those who are ill and for those who have mental health issues, and for your peace for those who are fearful for the future.
Heavenly Father, we cry out to you for both sides in the post-Brexit trade talks – and pray that an agreement will be reached in time for it to be ratified by parliament.
We lift to you, Father, the need for measures to prevent us damaging the environment. In particular we pray for wisdom for our government in making the decision about whether Heathrow Airport should have a third runway.
Finally, we cry out to you, Lord, for the safe return of the 300 Nigerian schoolboys who have been kidnapped. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your sovereign power and that you can bring good out of evil.
LORD’S PRAYER
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
SING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ntaO2CeyI
HOLY CHILD, how still You lie!
Safe the manger, soft the hay;
Faint upon the eastern sky
Breaks the dawn of Christmas Day.
Holy Child, whose birthday brings
Shepherds from their field and fold,
Angel choirs and eastern kings,
Myrrh and frankincense and gold:
Holy Child, what gift of grace
From the Father freely willed!
In Your infant form we trace
All God’s promises fulfilled.
Holy Child, whose human years
Span like ours delight and pain;
One in human joys and tears,
One in all but sin and stain:
Holy Child, so far from home,
All the lost to seek and save:
To what dreadful death You come,
To what dark and silent grave!
Holy Child, before whose name
Powers of darkness faint and fall;
Conquered death and sin and shame –
Jesus Christ is Lord of all!
Holy Child, how still You lie!
Safe the manger, soft the hay;
Clear upon the eastern sky
Breaks the dawn of Christmas Day.
Timothy Dudley-Smith
Copyright © 1966 Timothy Dudley-Smith/ Oxford University Press
OFFERTORY - Take a moment to consider how you are going to continue to give to the life of the church and support other aid agencies and mission organisations.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the splendour, and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.
SING: https://youtu.be/FLURukXoht8
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare Him room
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing!
2 Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
your sweetest songs employ
while fields and streams and hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness,
the wonders of His love,
the wonders of His love,
the wonders, wonders of His love.
Isacc Watts (1674-1748)
FINAL BLESSING:
God sent his angels from glory to bring to shepherds
the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Yes! We thank you Lord.
You have heard his story, the story of God’s own Son.
Yes! We thank you Lord.
May he fill you with joy to bring this good news to others today.
Yes! We thank you Lord
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.