The Gathering Of The Community
Hymn: Blue #91 People, Look East! The Time Is Near
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you.
Collect for Purity
All: Almighty God to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen
Leader: Kyrie eleison
All: Lord, have mercy
Leader: Christe eleison
All: Christ, have mercy
Leader: Kyrie eleison
All: Lord, have mercy
Collect of the Day
Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
The Psalm
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Sermon
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
Watchful at all times, let us pray for strength to stand with confidence before our Maker and Redeemer.
That God may bring in his kingdom with justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That God may establish among the nations his sceptre of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That we may seek Christ in the Scriptures and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That God may bind up the brokenhearted, restore the sick and raise up all who have fallen, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That the light of God’s coming may dawn on all who live in darkness and the shadow of death, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That, with all the saints in light, we may shine forth as lights for the world, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
Almighty God, as your blessed Son Jesus Christ first came to seek and to save the lost; so may he come again to find in us the completion of his redeeming work; for he is now alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone, and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Hymn: Blue #101 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
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.
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
Leader: Faithful God, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation. May we, like the Virgin Mary, be obedient to your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Hymn: Blue #114 Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
We pray for: Japheth Bhana, Cylus; Jessie Bhana; Victor and Saleem Bhana; Jonathan Bhana
Announcements
Christmas Services
December 24
4:30 – Children’s Service: The Christmas Story: In person, with lanterns, creche and carols.
8:00 – The Christmas Eucharist: Candlelight and carols to celebrate the birth of the child Christ.
Please wear masks and remember social distancing. We will also celebrate Christmas in an online service.
Poinsettia Fund – Last day to donate is today!
Please remember that this Sunday, is the last day to collect funds for the poinsettias that adorn our sanctuary at Christmas. Donations can be in cash, cheque or etransfer (stmatthewsang@outlook.com) and are made in memory of loved ones who have passed away or in thanksgiving.
Year End Donations
Please note that in order to be credited for 2021 all donations to the church are to be in no later than December 26th, 2021.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Ephraim Radner – Honorary Assistant
Please direct all enquiries to Bill Middleton, Peoples’ Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
