Prayers of Adoration & Confession

God of love, mystery and wonder
your message of hope for the world
comes to us in the form of a vulnerable baby
for whom there was no place.

You speak into the hearts of all who suffer
offering words of love and comfort
to those have no hope and no place.

You shatter the certainty of the powerful
shining a light on injustice and reminding us
that your Word calls us to work for peace.

You speak to us on the whisper of angel wings
turning our world upside down with a word
inspiring us to follow you into paths unknown.

God we confess the overwhelming burden
of conflicting messages that surround us every day.

We are a broken people in need of your truth.
On this mysterious night bathe us instead
in your messages of hope, peace, joy and love.

We lay before you our broken hearts
Take them, make them whole again
in the mystery of new birth and new life.

Release us from the clamouring voices
that tell us and the world that all we need
is the next new thing or experience to make us happy.

Help us to testify to the light of your truth
and to share your message of justice
for our earth and all living creatures. Amen

The heavenly host sang
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven
and on earth peace among those whom he favours’
Come let us embrace this peace confident
that in the name of the Holy One, born this night
our sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

Saide Cameron, offered for worship Christmas Eve 2017

Prayers of the People

God of Eternal Peace,
on this holy night we take time to remember
people suffering in different ways around the world.

We remember people fighting treatable illnesses,
because of a lack of health care.
Emmanuel, come to them,
bring your healing and love.

We think of people suffering from hunger and thirst
because of climate change.
Emmanuel, come to them,
bring your compassion and hope.

We think of refugees longing to go home.
But who can’t, because of war and conflict.
Emmanuel, come to them, bring your resilience and peace.

Stir in our hearts, O God,
give us the will, and ability,
to bring your healing love,
your healing hope,
and your healing peace
to people suffering around the world.

We pray this in the name of your incarnate son,
born this night, Jesus Christ. Amen

Christmas Bowl worship resources,
offered for worship Christmas Eve 2017