Parish Church of St John in-the-fields - St Ives

After this, we sing together Away in a manger.

1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 2. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me for ever, and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
The Service ends with a blessing

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you all.

All: Amen

The Childrens Societys

Christingle Service
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Christingle Service

Christingle Service

elcome to the Christingle Service!

Activity
We build the Christingles together. Small children will probably need to be supervised. The materials (oranges, candles, sweets etc) are available on tables in the side aisles. Once all the Christingles are ready, we share some simple refreshments together.

Christingle means Christs Light. Christingles are made up of different parts, each one being there to remind us of something. The orange represents the world; whilst the candle represents Jesus because He is the light of the world. The red tape that goes all round the world reminds us of the love of Jesus for everyone. The four cocktail sticks and the cut on top of the orange represent the five wounds of Jesus on the Cross (hands, feet, and heart). The sweets remind us of Gods good gifts to the world. You will find the carols on a separate sheet. Please join in the prayers with the words printed in bold. Worship
We stand as the service begins with a carol as announced. Welcome and the opening prayer. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Worship
After the refreshments we gather again for worship and we sing another carol. After this we sit for a reading (The birth of Our Lord Jesus; Luke 2:1-14). At the end of the reading, This is the Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

After this, we stand to sing a carol and to light the Christingles. Then we gather for the prayers forming a circle around the altar, Lord Jesus, the orange in our hands reminds us of our world which was one in darkness. We lift to you all who are scared, lonely, or unwell particularly those we know. Comfort them, protect them, and surround them with your unfailing love. Lord, hear us;

All: Amen
The Lord be with you

All: Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, the light shining in our hands reminds us that you are the light of the world. We lift to you all who seek to lead children in the way of love particularly parents, teachers and carers. Give them wisdom, energy, patience, and love. Lord, hear us;

All: also with you.

As we approach Christmas we remember that the world was once in darkness and that Jesus came into the world to shine Gods light on everyone. The Light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.

All: Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, the sweets in our hands remind us that you give good gifts to all creation. We lift to you everyone in the love of a family and the company of friends. We pray especially for children who have runaway and are alone and unsafe at this time. Lord, hear us;

All: Jesus is our light.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world;

All: Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, the red ribbon reminds us of your love that embraces the whole world. We lift to you all those who work to show your love for everyone. We pray for your Church and for unity among your people. Lord, hear us;

All: Jesus is our Way.

With Jesus even dark places are light;

All: Jesus is the Truth.

In Jesus we shall live for ever;

All: Lord, graciously hear us.

And so let us pray as Jesus, our saviour and our light, has taught us:

All: Jesus is our Life

God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light; make us faithful to your Word that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

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.