Koonung Heights Uniting Church – Service of Worship at Home
Christmas Day – 25 December 2020 – 9am or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Please feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
We Sing: “O come all ye faithful” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to sing – words below)
Acknowledgement of Country:
We come on this special day
to worship and to greet the new born child.
As we come
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin nation,
a people who have never ceded sovereignty.
I pay my respects to their elders,
past, present and emerging.
I also acknowledge that when each child is born
they reveal something of God
and represent hope for the future.
May we see the face of God when we look
on the faces of our First Peoples
and may we walk side by side with them.
Advent Wreath:
As we pour the water to complete our wreath,
we celebrate the coming of Jesus.
We thank you for coming as One unlike anyone else.
We remember the One who came by water and blood,
the One who cried for his dead friend,
the One who was thirsty and asked a woman for a drink.
We thank you for coming as One unlike anyone else.
We remember the One who walked on water,
the One who calmed the waves,
the One who turned water into wine.
We thank you for coming as One unlike anyone else.
We remember the One who is the living water for us here and now.
We thank you because our thirst for God is quenched in you.
Amen.
Call to Worship:
We gather on this glorious Christmas morning,
celebrating the child who has long been foretold,
was born all those years ago
and still brings joy and hope to the world.
We come as we are,
and offer our worship to Jesus.
God, come close to us as we come close to you.
We Sing: “The north wind” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to sing – words below)
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Holy God,
what a brilliant day this is,
a day of celebration,
of giving and receiving,
of sharing with loved ones,
of eating too much
and perhaps having that extra treat.
Today we party,
we let our hair down and celebrate
as we remember the birth of Jesus,
God with us now and always.
But it was not this way for Mary and Joseph,
for when they arrived in Bethlehem
they found there was no room.
We confess that in the midst of all our anxieties
we have not made room for others.
We confess that,
paralysed by fear, prejudice or apathy
we have not made room in our homes for the stranger.
We confess that, forgetting the welcome we have been shown,
we have not made room in your church
for those who are different from us.
We confess that in the busyness of Christmas time
we have not made room in our lives for you.
Gracious God, forgive us and renew us.
Use this Christmas season to break open our hearts,
throw open the doors,
open our eyes to your presence
and open our arms wide to welcome you.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
God is good! God is faithful! God is merciful!
God comes to us, in vulnerability, again and again,
to show us how much we are loved.
We are forgiven; we are freed,
we are beloved; we are blessed.
This is good news. Thanks be to God!
Amen.
Passing the Peace:
God has seen us, God has welcomed us
and God has come to be one of us,
enfleshed to reside with humanity.
May we share the peace that this child came to bring.
The peace of Christ be with you all … and also with you.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
We Sing: “Glory to the King of kings” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to sing –words below)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Jesus
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. 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.
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!”
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: “Angels from the realms of glory” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to sing – words below)
Watch and listen to Mary’s story.
Mary’s Story:
That Angel wasn‘t kidding, when he told me that I was going to have a baby! Before I knew anything, I was pregnant! Morning sickness, swollen legs, sleepless nights, clothes that looked like a circus tent as the bump got bigger!
And then Joe says to me “Mary we need to go to Bethlehem.” “Bethlehem,” I say, “I am not going anywhere near Bethlehem, I need to be beside my family so they can help me deliver the baby. Bethlehem is a dump of a place, in the middle of nowhere, with some of your relatives who called me a tramp and worse when we told them about the baby. I am not going to Bethlehem.”
I was absolutely raging, but Joe just looked at me and said, “We don’t have a choice. The government census means we have to go and register there.”
“Government,” I said, “they don’t care about me or my well-being they just want to find a way to tax us more. They won’t notice if I am not there.”
Well, you know how it is, the next day we set off to Bethlehem, and Joseph said he had managed to borrow a donkey that I could sit on.
I think my man is off his head. How he thought an eight and half month pregnant woman was going to be able to climb on a donkey or even feel comfortable on one is beyond my understanding, but, typical, he thought he was doing me a good turn!
I was exhausted by the time we got to Bethlehem. The contractions started, and I said to Joseph he needed to get me to his family quick, because the baby was on its way.
Then Joseph stared blankly at me, and I know that look. He hasn’t told them we are coming, and he has not organised anywhere for us to stay, and tells me he thought it would be nice to stay in a hotel. Only problem was, the hotels were full, the bed and breakfast places were full, the caravan sites were full, and there was nowhere to stay, until a kindly innkeeper offered us his stable around the back when he saw my situation and distress.
His wife quickly appeared at the stable which was at least dry if a bit smelly with animals and their pooping around the place. She brought hot waters and towels and even acted as my midwife along with some other local women whose names I never got to know.
So there in a stable surrounded by unknown people and some animals I had the baby, who was the son of God and we called him Jesus, just as that angel had told us to call him. Joe thought he should have been named after him, but I was having none of it. This was God’s child, and Jesus was his name.
By the next day people we didn’t even know were coming to visit us. Shepherds, who told us that a heavenly choir sang the very moment Jesus was born came as they wanted to see the baby for themselves. They were the ones who spread the news around Bethlehem that the baby Jesus, God’s son was born.
Then we had wise men from the East who brought the strangest gifts ever, gold, frankincense and myrrh. I more needed nappies and clothes, but they told me that their gifts were gifts for a king.
It was amazing how kind these strangers had been, and I quickly forgot my pain, suffering and misery as I cradled God’s little miracle in my arms, and Joseph stood there smiling, proud as punch, although he hadn’t done much, but he was there and stood by me. That’s my man and I am proud of that. Who knows what the future holds for us, but it will be pretty special.
We Listen: “Infant holy” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to watch – words below)
The Fox’s Tale (adapted from story by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen):
Sometimes, grown-ups find it hard to believe in miracles, but God’s smaller creatures have no trouble at all understanding exactly what is happening …
Hello, I’m a fox. I live out on the hills. I sleep by day and hunt by night. If you’re lucky you might see me on a hilltop against the moon. But don’t blink or I’ll be gone. Here’s my story. It’ll make your tail bristle. Listen.
Last night I’m up on the hill near the town. The night is cold and clear. I lift my head and sniff the air. The scent of sheep is everywhere. There’s another smell too. It halts me in my tracks. The shepherd’s out … by my nose it’s more than one. That means the sheep are lambing.
I skirt around the hill, the wait a while, and listen. Somewhere up ahead a lamb is calling to its mother. Crouching low and keeping to the bushes I follow. Now I see it clearly sitting in the long grass. A speckled lamb, not one week old.
Suddenly a blinding flash sends me running to the bushes. Shaking to my toes and blinking in the light, I freeze. Across the hill a golden glow has fallen. And coming from the sky the sound of singing. All at once the air is filled with shining men!
I’m scared. I cannot smell these men. They have no scent. One of them is speaking to the shepherds. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he says. ‘We bring good news. Great joy has come to all of you. Today in Bethlehem a baby has been born. He is your promised King, your Saviour. You’ll find him lying in a cattle trough. Quickly, run and see!”
Suddenly, the shining men are gone. The sound of singing dies away. The shepherds stare at one another. Then all at once they start to talk. They laugh and shout. They jump and clap their hands. Then off they run towards the town to find the baby King. I follow on behind, at a distance for I know I’m not welcome in the town.
I am wary. The town is full of sounds and smells I do not know. But I would like to see this baby King. I keep to the shadows and watch the shepherds disappear inside a stable. Behind the stable is a high fence. Without a sound I am up and over it. My luck is in. There’s a light streaming through a crack in the back wall. From here I can see everything.
Inside are cows and sheep and goats. It’s odd. They know I’m here but they aren’t afraid. There are people too and no-one sends me away. A woman and a man, and by the door the shepherds. All of them are looking at a cattle trough lit by a lantern.
And there, just as the shining men said, a new-born baby sleeps. A King in a cattle shed. His mother smiles and tells the shepherds to come in. Quietly they stand and watch. The baby murmurs in his sleep. ‘His name is Jesus,’ says the woman softly.
One of the shepherds takes something from his cloak. It is the speckled lamb. A present for the baby. He gives it to the woman, then bends close to see the baby’s face. The shepherd’s smiling face glows in the light, just like the shining men. He has seen a King and so have I. Not many shepherds or foxes can say that.
The shepherds whisper their goodbyes and leave. My belly tells me that I too must be making tracks. It is a hard winter and life is hard for a fox. And for you too, little King, it seems. I wish you well. I hope the lamb will keep you warm. Sweet dreams.
Watch and listen to the reflection
Reflection:
Christmas Day … it’s finally here … the day that we’ve been planning for. Writing cards, purchasing gifts and wrapping them, dressing the tree, planning a menu and sitting down to eat with friends and family when the meal is prepared.
But Christmas is about so much more. It’s a story about home, a story about journey and about finding that safe place where life can flourish. It’s a story of invitation, where even the hungry fox, usually unwelcome, is invited to come and see. It’s a story about not giving up, of continuing to knock until a door is opened, and of God’s life squeezing its way into the world amidst the labour cries of a young woman.
It is a story which stirs the imagination as we wonder what is possible. As God is made incarnate in the being of a child, we wonder about the possibility that lies within each one of us to be a child of God, if only we would welcome God’s presence within us.
The Christmas story is also one that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life. With challenges of enforced rules by the government demanding that families move to their ancestral home towns for the census, with problems of finding accommodation and welcome in a town that was once home but isn’t any longer, Mary and Joseph find themselves taking shelter in a place normally only fit for livestock. Choirs of angels might sing on a far-away hillside to shepherds, but the young couple are alone as they usher into the world a child who will bring wonder and hope.
In a world where we are still having our movements restricted, and having to be careful about hygiene so that we protect ourselves and one another, it might seem that we haven’t moved far from that dark night over 2000 years ago. Yet, in both stories there is the space to foster life, if we can only find it. Whether it is caring for a child born in a stable, or protecting one another by wearing masks when we sing, we can continue to foster life.
As the kingdom of God was birthed in a stable so long ago, we can still birth this kingdom in our lives and communities. If we really look we can see the presence of God is one another. If we want to we can be the same kind of blessing to the world that Jesus was, and is.
Whatever you are doing this Christmas, may the story of the birth of a child, the God who put on flesh to be Emmanuel, One with us, flourish and grow in your heart.
Amen.
We Listen: “Christmas Hallelujah” – (Click on this link and skip the ads – words below)
Prayer for Others: (prepared by Peta Lowe)
God of Christmas, we pray for our world, in a year that has been extremely difficult for so many.
In this season of Hope, we pray for an end to the pandemic, through equitable distribution of vaccines, and wise management of finite resources.
We pray that the combined efforts of people around the world might lessen the effects of Climate Change, and that we will treat the environment with greater respect through our actions.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
In this season of Peace, we pray for peace across our world. We pray that governments will act in the interests of all their people, and we pray that resources might be shared more fairly.
In this season of Joy, we pray for the joy that comes when people have access to the things they need, and are treated with respect.
In this season of Love, we pray that care and compassion will surge up and encompass our world.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
God of the Bethlehem stable, we pray for your Church worldwide, celebrating Christmas.
Guide our thoughts as we contemplate the greatness and the humility of Jesus, born in a lowly stable to poor parents, and yet the Son of God.
Help us, your Church, to reflect to the world, the love you showed us in the giving of Jesus.
We pray that the spirit of goodwill expressed at Christmas, will extend to the edges of society and across the calendar year.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
God of the Incarnation, we pray for people everywhere: those in need, those who are bereaved, those who are ill, those who are afraid, those who are despairing, those who are searching, those who are exhausted.
We pray for the people who work today, the people who celebrate today, the people who struggle today, the people who grieve today, the people who are lonely today.
We ask for Hope, especially for those who feel they have no hope.
We ask for Peace, especially for those who long for peace.
We pray that holy Joy will find its way into bleak lives.
We pray that your Love will embrace those who feel abandoned.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
God of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, we pray for ourselves this Christmas Day.
Help us to open our hearts to Jesus, and to welcome the Light of the World into our lives.
Guide us as we seek to do our part in making his kingdom visible on earth.
Make us a community of justice and praise.
In our Christmas reflections, our celebrations, our giving, our receiving, in our living and loving, may Jesus dwell at the centre of our lives.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
And now let us join with Christians across the world in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:
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 in the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Yours, now and forever, Amen.
We Sing: “Hark! the herald angels sing” – (Click on this link and skip the ads to sing)
Blessing:
From a time of worship,
a moment of celebration,
may we take the joy of Christmas
into our homes and community,
continuing the heavenly song
and celebrating,
in quiet ways or loud,
with others or by ourselves,
that Jesus is with us,
God is with us,
Emmanuel!
And may God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit,
the One who Mother’s us all, go with you,
and remain with you forever.
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:- Spill the Beans (Issue 37), Hyphenated Faith, Billabong Worship Resources.