Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Advent 4 – 24 December 2023 – 11pm or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
Introit: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” – (Words © Susan Wickham 2021 – Tune TiS 265)
O Advent God of hope, joy, love and peace,
in you we pray our sad divisions cease.
Bind us as one, a people of grace,
for at your table each one has a place.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to us and in our hearts will dwell.
Acknowledgement of Country:
Tonight I acknowledge that we gather on the land
of the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung people of the Kulin nations,
and I pay my respects to their elders, past and present,
and to all future leaders and generations to come.
People have gathered here in the presence of God for thousands of years,
and when we stand on the land,
we stand where others have stood and prayed before us.
Call to Worship:
As we gather on this holy night, we know that the world is weary.
We see it. We feel it.
So, how does a weary world rejoice?
We sing songs of hope.
We allow hope to change us, to strengthen us.
We tell the stories of what could be.
We listen for God’s word.
We resist the temptation to give up or give in.
We remember Mary’s song.
We gather for worship.
We hope. We hope.
Against all odds, we hope.
Friends, this is the night that the Lord is still making.
Let us worship holy God.
Advent Candle:
How does a weary world practice love?
We hope,
by sending cards, and picking up the phone.
By practicing empathy,
and assuming the best in others.
By learning people’s stories,
and finding common ground.
By advocating for justice,
and saving a place at the table.
There are a million ways to find hope when we practice love.
So tonight we light the candle of love
as both a reminder and a challenge to us.
With God’s help, may we bring love into a weary world.
Amen.
We Sing: “On Christmas Night” – (TiS 300)
On Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring:
on Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring:
news of great joy, news of great mirth,
news of our merciful King’s birth.
When fear departs before his grace, then life and health come in its place;
when fear departs before his grace, then life and health come in its place;
heaven and earth with joy may sing, as we await the new born King.
And so from darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night;
and so from darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night:
‘Glory to God and peace descend, now and for evermore. Amen.’
Call to Prayer:
Family of faith, we all know that a small group of convicted people can change the world.
That’s how it’s always been.
People like Mary, people like Zechariah, people like John the Baptist.
And yet, we rarely feel like we can be one of those people.
We downplay our ability to make a difference.
We choose pessimism over optimism.
We sweep hope under the rug for the sake of realism.
We forget the words to Mary’s song.
Fortunately for us, our God carries enough hope and grace for all of us.
So let us go to God in prayer.
Let us speak the truth of our lives, and let that honesty change us.
Friends, let us pray: …
Prayer of Praise and Confession:
Loving God, giver of the most amazing gift,
this night we celebrate you.
We sing songs with Zechariah and Mary,
wonder with shepherds and rejoice with angels.
We hear again the story we have heard before –
a story that warms our hearts and reminds us of mercy,
fashioned in flesh and bone,
a story that give us reason to hope.
Yet, more days than not, hope feels like the rain –
we try to hold onto it with cupped hands,
but eventually it slips right on through.
Forgive us for holding hope so loosely.
Forgive us for allowing the realities of today to define tomorrow.
We know that the world needs people of hope,
so tonight we pray that you will turn us into these people.
Teach us how to sing Mary’s song of hope for the world.
With open hearts we pray,
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
No matter how many times we let hope slip through our fingers,
we still belong to God.
So hear these words and believe them:
You are God’s beloved. You are forgiven.
You are blessed and sent to serve.
This is the good news of the Gospel:
a hope we can hang our hearts on.
Thanks be to God.
We Sing: “The Angel Gabriel” – (TiS 302)
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eye as flame;
‘All hail,” said he, ‘thou lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favoured lady, Gloria!
‘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!
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!
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!
Bible Reading: Luke 1:46-55
– Mary’s Song of Praise
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked with favour on the lowly state of his servant.
Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,and holy is his name;
50 indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Bible Reading: Luke 1:67-80
– Zechariah’s Prophecy
67 Then his father Zechariah
was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favourably on his people
and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a mighty saviour for us
in the house of his child David,
70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets
from of old,
71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors
and has remembered his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us
74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
79 to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
Poem: The Sound of Hope (Rev Sarah Speed)
We’ve been singing a sad song for quite some time,
the melody syncing with our heartbeats,
the lyrics stamped to the front of our minds.
You say, sad songs are honest –
it’s hard to disagree, for sad songs tap us on the shoulder.
Sad songs remind us
of the hundred different corners heartbreak could be behind.
But I don’t have it in me to sing a sad song forever.
So despite the news,
despite the aches in my body,
despite the phone call last night
that says she’s waiting for the test results,
despite yesterday’s news,
despite the unknown and unchanged,
I am going to sing a song of hope.
Like a canary in a snowstorm,
I don’t need another song of what is;
I need a song of what could be.
So sing with me.
Our voices may get drowned out by the wind,
but surely someone will ask:
Was that a flash of light?
Was that the sound of hope?
Reflection:
Throughout this advent season we have been considering how a weary world can rejoice, and tonight, when we await again the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that we can sing stories of hope. Singing is important in Luke’s narrative – Mary sings, Zechariah sings and, of course, the angels sing. Following in the paths of their ancestors, Mary and Zechariah both rejoice through song. Their singing is important because it show us that joy is an embodied practice. It can emerge intuitively, from creatively offering what our souls desire. The content of their songs shows us what robust hope looks like; it looks like a deep yearning for the hungry to be fed, for the lowly to be lifted up, for our children to be blessed by the tender mercy of God. If hope feels out of reach, the act of singing has the power to transform us.
In the scripture passages we have read we hear two songs. Zechariah has been silenced but as soon as his voice returns, his words are those of gratitude and blessing. He sings a story of praise for God’s protection and promises, and then he showers a blessing on his newborn son. He sings a story of hope. After Elizabeth proclaims blessings on Mary, Mary sings: ‘My soul magnifies God; my spirit rejoices in God.’ Mary sings about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary, too, sings a song of hope, one in which justice and joy are interwoven.
Mary sings of a new world order based on past experiences with God. Her joy is found in remembering what the world has the potential to be based on the presence of God in all things. God has shown strength. God has scattered the proud, God has brought down the powerful. God has lifted the lowly. God has filled the hungry. God has already done things that should allow a weary world to rejoice. Mary proclaims this in her song of hope and in the story of justice, joy, and a righteous peace.
Zechariah’s song is a song of hope for the future. It ignites the thrill of hope that awaits us after a long silence. He bursts into thanksgiving for God’s favour, and acknowledges that God has something better for those who await the future. Zechariah speaks over the lift of his son, the one who will be the prophet of the Most High. Zechariah tells of the blessings for John and speaks into John’s task for the future.
John will be the prophet for Jesus … the One who’s birth we await again tonight, so let us hear that story, and sing as we await his arrival with hope. For this is how we will welcome Christ with joy.
Amen.
Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7
– The Journey to Bethlehem
1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
The Birth of Jesus
6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
We Sing: “Silent Night” – (TiS 311)
Silent night, holy night: all is calm, all is bright
round the virgin mother and child,
holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night: shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing, ‘Alleluia!
Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.’
Silent night, holy night: wondrous star, lend your light;
with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King;
Christ our Saviour is born, Christ our Saviour is born.
Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-14
– The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before 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; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
We Sing: “Angels from the realms of glory” – (TiS 309)
Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Heralds of creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
Come and worship Christ, the new-born King,
Come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
Shepherds, in the fields abiding, watching over flocks by night,
God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant Light:
Come and worship Christ, the new born King,
Come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
Bible Reading: Luke 2:15-20
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
We Sing: “Child in the Manger” – (TiS 319)
Child in the manger, infant of Mary; outcast and stranger, Lord of all!
Child who inherits all our transgressions, all our demerits on him fall.
Once the most holy child of salvation gentle and lowly lived below;
now, as our glorious mighty Redeemer, see him victorious over each foe.
Prophets foretold him, infant of wonder: angels behold him on his throne;
worthy our Saviour of all their praises; happy for ever are his own.
Prayer for Others:
God of today and tomorrow,
we take a deep breath in and fill our lungs with you,
for we know that you are here, present with us as we pray.
We know that you are listening, so with gratitude,
we join our voices with Mary’s song,
for we understand that some days you just have to sing –
sing gratitude for what exists; sing praise for what could be.
Following in Mary’s footsteps, we start with gratitude,
and thank you, Creator God, for filling our days with beautiful things,
freshly baked bread, candlelight, creases in a good book,
and the comfort of friends who know us well.
We have much to be grateful for
so we sing a song of praise.
However, Mary did not only sing in response to your goodness,
she also sang for the future of your goodness –
her Magnificat was a song of protest,
a song declaring what the world could be, would be, should be.
So this night, holy God, we also bring you prophetic prayers of hope.
Turn injustice on its head.
Lift up the poor and the hungry.
Comfort the sick and the aching.
Tend the lonely and the lost, and then,
plant a fire in our hearts to do the same.
For we know that you are here.
We know that you are present with us as we pray.
We know that you join our voices as we sing.
Amen.
Christmas Communion:
Invitation
Jesus was born into a world that told him right away,
“There’s no room for you here.”
Mary and Joseph were turned away
from every door,
so Jesus was born in a stable instead of a house. He was laid in a manger instead of a crib.
Jesus was born into a world
that loves to turn people away –
a world with shut doors and closed hearts.
A world that loves to say, “There’s no room for you.”
Friends, that will not happen to you here,
because Jesus spent his life making room.
He made room for tax collectors and children.
He made room for 5,000 people to sit down and eat together.
He made room for Samaritan women, Jews and Gentiles.
He made room for the sick, for the outcast, for the unclean.
Jesus was always pulling up a seat,
saving space, making room for people, and he has made room for you.
So come to this Table.
Come with your faith and your doubt.
Come with your questions and your hopes.
Come with your grief and your love.
Just come, because there is room for you here.
This is Christ’s table and all are welcome.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy God,
We have been waiting a long time for this night –
for the joy and the quiet of Christmas Eve,
for the sound of the angel chorus,
for the old familiar songs.
We have carried weary hearts through the last four weeks of Advent,
longing for the peace and hope of this night,
and now we’re finally here.
So, in between our joy and our weariness, God,
we ask that you would make room.
Pour yourself into the cracks of our hearts –
carve out space for your love in the centre of our beings
so that no matter where we go we might trust the angels’ song when they say,
“Be not afraid,” and, “Joy to the world!”
Until then, until the day when joy overpowers weariness,
until the day when there is room for all at every table,
until your promised day,
we will continue to pray as your son taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and 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 forever.
Amen.
Invocation
Compassionate God,
let your Spirit come upon us now.
Bless us, and this bread and wine, that it might renew and sustain us.
Amen.
Distribution
We take this bread and take this cup so that we can all share in the life of Christ.
So in the meal tradition of Jesus we break and share bread, and drink wine,
pledging ourselves to allow the spirit and faith that moved in Jesus,
to move freely in our lives.
As Jesus took the bread, blessed it and broke it,
we share the bread which sustains the life of God in us.
As Jesus did, we take a cup and remember the life that Jesus gave for us.
The bread of life. The cup of hope.
As we eat and drink together, may we know the blessing of your Spirit,
and know that you are the God of new beginnings.
Prayer
God of angel choruses and teenage mothers,
tonight we wanted to be here.
Tonight, we needed to be here – online and in person –
worshipping together on this joy filled Christmas Eve.
For when we gather around this Table
we remember the ways that you always make room for us.
You are always pulling up chairs,
welcoming the children, the tax collectors, and the outcast.
At your dinner party, no one gets turned away.
Help us to carry that inclusive spirit into the rest of our lives,
for we know that love like that is what turns weariness into joy.
Amen.
Reflection:
This night love will come,
held safely within a gentle womb,
all the truth, majesty and creativity of a God
poured into a tiny heart.
Making an entrance in a dark and uninviting shack
with just one star shining anew
and a handful of people to bear witness.
Led by angelic voices and open hearts –
a young mother,
a faith-filled father
and a group of humble herdsmen.
They came to bow before a new life,
and to acknowledge that the Word of God had come alive:
that the extraordinary transformation of heaven and earth
had begun.
So go into this night,
with songs of hope in your hearts,
for what already is,
and for what is to be.
Amen.
We Sing: “Born in the night” – (TiS 323)
Born in the night, Mary’s child, a long way from your home:
Coming in need, Mary’s child, born in a borrowed room.
Clear shining light, Mary’s child, your face lights up our way;
Light of the world, Mary’s child, dawn on our darkened day.
Hope of the world, Mary’s child, you’re coming soon to reign;
King of the earth, Mary’s child, walk in our streets again.
Blessing:
As you leave this night,
go in peace,
and know that the God of light,
hope, peace and joy
goes with you.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. I have also utilised the following resources: A Sanctified Art (How does a weary world rejoice?. “Love Came” adapted from Julie Palmer.