We're using a special liturgy from the Northumbria Community during Advent. Please join us in the Chapel at 10.00 am each weekday, or use these words at home instead.
Welcome to our Advent journey
We are pausing our usual Morning Prayer format to intentionally slow down and reflect as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light in our dark world.
We hope that you will join us and take time to ‘be’ in His presence as we also look forward to Him coming back to make all things new.
Week 5 - beginning Mon 18th December
Reflection for the day
Soft, Celtic worship music can be played as people quietly enter and silently read and reflect.
We enter quietly and silently read the Bible readings and reflection for that week, which are found below. There will be opportunity to pray about anything which God lays on our hearts during the time of open prayer later on.
Bible readings for week 5 to be used each day of this week.
Psalm 72: 8-14
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
Isaiah 7: 14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Luke 2: 4-20
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reflections for week 5
We are pausing our usual Morning Prayer format to intentionally slow down and reflect as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light in our dark world.
We hope that you will join us and take time to ‘be’ in His presence as we also look forward to Him coming back to make all things new.
Week 5 - beginning Mon 18th December
Reflection for the day
Soft, Celtic worship music can be played as people quietly enter and silently read and reflect.
We enter quietly and silently read the Bible readings and reflection for that week, which are found below. There will be opportunity to pray about anything which God lays on our hearts during the time of open prayer later on.
Bible readings for week 5 to be used each day of this week.
Psalm 72: 8-14
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
Isaiah 7: 14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Luke 2: 4-20
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reflections for week 5
The Star
All peoples, all nations shall honour Him. His love is so great it aches to receive the homage of every heart.
A star led the travellers to Jesus. They were seeking for the one life that could make all the difference in their own lives – that kind of journey always changes you forever.
Jesus, now I’ve found You, let me be like that bright star showing the way to others who wonder where You are.
Nativity
The virgin is a mother. The earth can greet her King.
As stumbling shepherds spread the news and shimmering angels withdraw in wonder, the tiny baby searches for her breast.
Mary smiles and cradles His reality. Now Jesus is Emmanuel: Heaven’s champion is God-in-flesh.
Christmas has come…
Adapted from Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two p.1392/94.
Leader: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
A prayer for Christmas preparations
All: Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness
Send Your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence.
We are Your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To You we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus!’ Amen.
Making our hearts ready
All: We make our hearts ready for the King of Glory to come in.
Leader: Through the doors of our heart, though they are made of only the simplest wood.
All: We make our hearts ready for the King of Glory to come in.
Leader: We open these doors now, fully and completely with all of our will and all of our strength. With all of our uncertainty and all of our weakness we pray
All: Come dwell among us and be our peace today.
Advent carol verses 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the tune of ‘The Holly and the Ivy’.
Within the deepest darkness
a glowing light is lit.
The darkness cannot put it out
Or do away with it.
The prophets said Messiah
would come to set us free,
to rule the world with life and justice:
The Prince of Peace is He.
Wild desert John Baptiser,
Shouted, ‘Prepare the way!
Level out the hills! Fill the potholes in!
Make way for God today!’
The angel came to Mary
Who answered, ‘Let it be,
I am the servant of the Lord:
now His mother I will be.’
A baby in a stable
brings joy to all the earth.
He comes, our Lord Emmanuel
and we celebrate His birth.
Advent path
Leader reads the verses reflecting the theme for this week of Advent.
This is the path that Jesus marked,
cradled in Mary’s womb from Nazareth
to Bethlehem on Caesar’s command.
Turned away from the inn that had no room,
To be born in a manger wher animals fed.
Greeted by shepherds from the nearby fields
And magi from different lands.
Today, now that Christmas is come
we light five candles.
(Leader lights five candles)
All: We mark out the advent path with candle flames.
Leader: When our path is menaced by shadows,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep light within
Keep darkness without
Leader: When our path is targeted by conflict,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep love near
Keep hatred afar
Leader: When our path is threatened by worry,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep peace within
Keep fear without
Leader places candles next to praying hands and says:
This is the path that Jesus marks,
who comes to our world to show us God’s way
and lead us on the path of truth and life.
This is the path that Mary marked’
‘I am the Lord’s servant,
let it happen as you have said.’
This is the path that John marked,
‘The Kingdom of God is near.’
This is the path the prophets marked,
Who promised someone to preach good news.
This is the path that God marked
With light that shines in the darkness.
Prayers focusing on the needs of the world.
Each person in the chapel takes a piece of paper from a basket and reads the prayer aloud and then places it into the wooden hands representing the hands of God.
If you are joining us on WhatsApp, you are invited to pray for the needs of the world as you reflect on the image below.
All peoples, all nations shall honour Him. His love is so great it aches to receive the homage of every heart.
A star led the travellers to Jesus. They were seeking for the one life that could make all the difference in their own lives – that kind of journey always changes you forever.
Jesus, now I’ve found You, let me be like that bright star showing the way to others who wonder where You are.
Nativity
The virgin is a mother. The earth can greet her King.
As stumbling shepherds spread the news and shimmering angels withdraw in wonder, the tiny baby searches for her breast.
Mary smiles and cradles His reality. Now Jesus is Emmanuel: Heaven’s champion is God-in-flesh.
Christmas has come…
Adapted from Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two p.1392/94.
Leader: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
A prayer for Christmas preparations
All: Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness
Send Your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence.
We are Your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To You we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus!’ Amen.
Making our hearts ready
All: We make our hearts ready for the King of Glory to come in.
Leader: Through the doors of our heart, though they are made of only the simplest wood.
All: We make our hearts ready for the King of Glory to come in.
Leader: We open these doors now, fully and completely with all of our will and all of our strength. With all of our uncertainty and all of our weakness we pray
All: Come dwell among us and be our peace today.
Advent carol verses 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the tune of ‘The Holly and the Ivy’.
Within the deepest darkness
a glowing light is lit.
The darkness cannot put it out
Or do away with it.
The prophets said Messiah
would come to set us free,
to rule the world with life and justice:
The Prince of Peace is He.
Wild desert John Baptiser,
Shouted, ‘Prepare the way!
Level out the hills! Fill the potholes in!
Make way for God today!’
The angel came to Mary
Who answered, ‘Let it be,
I am the servant of the Lord:
now His mother I will be.’
A baby in a stable
brings joy to all the earth.
He comes, our Lord Emmanuel
and we celebrate His birth.
Advent path
Leader reads the verses reflecting the theme for this week of Advent.
This is the path that Jesus marked,
cradled in Mary’s womb from Nazareth
to Bethlehem on Caesar’s command.
Turned away from the inn that had no room,
To be born in a manger wher animals fed.
Greeted by shepherds from the nearby fields
And magi from different lands.
Today, now that Christmas is come
we light five candles.
(Leader lights five candles)
All: We mark out the advent path with candle flames.
Leader: When our path is menaced by shadows,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep light within
Keep darkness without
Leader: When our path is targeted by conflict,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep love near
Keep hatred afar
Leader: When our path is threatened by worry,
All: Circle me Lord
Keep peace within
Keep fear without
Leader places candles next to praying hands and says:
This is the path that Jesus marks,
who comes to our world to show us God’s way
and lead us on the path of truth and life.
This is the path that Mary marked’
‘I am the Lord’s servant,
let it happen as you have said.’
This is the path that John marked,
‘The Kingdom of God is near.’
This is the path the prophets marked,
Who promised someone to preach good news.
This is the path that God marked
With light that shines in the darkness.
Prayers focusing on the needs of the world.
Each person in the chapel takes a piece of paper from a basket and reads the prayer aloud and then places it into the wooden hands representing the hands of God.
If you are joining us on WhatsApp, you are invited to pray for the needs of the world as you reflect on the image below.
Open prayers for our community, ourselves and each other
Everyone is invited to pray for whatever is on their heart.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
A prayer in the preparation days of Celtic Advent
Leader: We have waited long for You
All: Deep has been the darkness
Leader: We long for You to shine
All: Right here among us where we are.
Leader: We will not fear the shadows that surround us
All: If only You will come among us.
Leader: We await the sound of a cry in the night,
the joy that follows pain
All: the coming of hope.
Blessing to be said together
Everyone is invited to pray for whatever is on their heart.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
A prayer in the preparation days of Celtic Advent
Leader: We have waited long for You
All: Deep has been the darkness
Leader: We long for You to shine
All: Right here among us where we are.
Leader: We will not fear the shadows that surround us
All: If only You will come among us.
Leader: We await the sound of a cry in the night,
the joy that follows pain
All: the coming of hope.
Blessing to be said together
Leader: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Keep silence and leave quietly when ready.
If you are in church, do meet for a chat and a drink in the café area.
All: Amen.
Keep silence and leave quietly when ready.
If you are in church, do meet for a chat and a drink in the café area.
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