In Loving Memory of:
Wilma & Len Nicholson from Irma Pidhayny
Leone Sider from David and Catherine Sider Hamilton
Irene Colquhoun, Bev Browne, Enda Penner, Ken Ritz from Melissa Ritz
Evelyn And Kaz Buchyns from Jeff Buchyns
John Duffy from Aubrey Duffy
Roy & Virginia Radner from Ephraim Radner
Pauline Ramsden and Father from Kimberlee McCarthy and Pauline’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Chew Biman from Audrey Chan
J. F. H. Gray Q.C. from Quoi Hao Duong
William C. Hamilton from Nick Hamilton
Mavis Barrett & Marjorie Bradshaw from Paul Francis
Ray, Anne, & Robin Middleton from the Middleton Family
Patricia John from Miriam John
Ko & Aki , Nazmun, Camilia, Marjorie, Mavis,
Pauline & Barry from the Kishibe Family
In Thanksgiving for:
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church from André Moolman
James, Marian and Theodore from David and Catherine Hamilton
Christmas Poinsettias:
Japheth Bhana, Audrey Chan, Virginia MacDonald
Prelude Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen J. Brahms
The Gathering of the Community
Hymn: Blue #123 Once In Royal David’s City
Leader: The grace, mercy and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
Collect of the Day
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
Hymn: Blue #140 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Hymn: Blue #121 O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Sermon
Motet: The Truth from Above arr. R. Vaughan Williams
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. We pray especially for those who are ill and those who are in hospital, and we pray for those who are alone. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’ Strengthen those who work for peace and justice and healing in all the world. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption and bring words of hope to those who are afflicted. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Bless especially those whom we miss; be with them, holy child, and give them joy. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand […and] all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Holy God hear our prayer.
In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God hear our prayer.
Father, in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn: Blue #119 Silent Night
The Peace
Leader: This holy night the angels sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all in whom he delights.’ The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Hymn: Blue #118 O Come All Ye Faithful
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst…54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. (John 6)
All: 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.
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All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Father of all, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we who have tasted heavenly things share in the life of his eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hymn: Blue #138 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Leader: Go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Postlude Toccata (from Symphony No. 5) C. M. Widor
Announcements
| Grand Piano Needed Our grand piano makes our Lessons and Carols service and other concerts possible. Our current piano has been on a 5-year loan to the church and is going back to its home in June. We are seeking leads on a grand piano in good repair to replace it: if you know someone who might have a piano to donate, or be willing to help purchase one for donation, please speak to Mtr Catherine or Sam Tam. Giving at Christmas Jesus asks us, as we prepare our hearts for his coming, to reach out in love to each other as he comes in love to us this Christmas. There are several ways you can give to others at St. Matthew’s this Christmas. You can give to our Refugee Fund, as we prepare to welcome a young Eritrean woman to Canada. You can give to our new Ukraine Relief fund, to help people in need because of the war in Ukraine. Please designate gifts clearly – Refugee Fund OR Ukraine Relief. Finally, you can bring a special Christmas gift to church for our friends the Berberians. However you choose to give, may it bring you joy! |
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
