Christmas Day, Year A

In the name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Grace, mercy and peace from God Our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit be with you all

and also with you

A child is born for us, a son given to us; dominion is laid on his shoulder, and he shall be called Wonderful-Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6)

My dear friends in Christ we gather this Christmas morn to greet the Christ Child, as we see him laid in a manger.

Our intention today is one of thanksgiving for the incarnation, and pray that its true meaning may be made clear to us as we praise and worship God and open our hearts to his holy scripture.

But as we prepare to encounter God in the most holy sacraments, we call to mind our sins:

Hear the words of the angel to Joseph:

‘You shall call his name Jesus,

for he will save his people from their sins.’

Therefore let us seek the forgiveness of God

through Jesus the Saviour of the world.

I confess…

The Collect

Let us pray

Lord God,
we praise you for creating man,
and still more for restoring him in Christ.
Your Son shared our weakness:
may we share his glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

All    Amen.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory.

All    Alleluia.

The Peace

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you

Prayer after Communion

Father,
the child born today is the Saviour of the world.
He made us your children.
May he welcome us into your kingdom
where he lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:

When he came to us as man,
the Son of God scattered the darkness of this world,
and filled this holy night with his glory.
May the God of infinite goodness
scatter the darkness of sin
and brighten your hearts with holiness. Amen.

God sent his angels to shepherds
to herald the great joy of the Saviour’s birth.
May he fill you with joy
and make you heralds of his gospel. Amen.

When the Word became man,
earth was joined to heaven.
May he give you his peace and good will,
and fellowship with all the heavenly host. Amen

And the blessing of God Almighty,

the +Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be upon you and remain with you,

this joyous day and always.

All    Amen.

The mass is ended : Go in peace

All    Thanks be to God.