prepared by Deacon Nigel Perrott – 21st December 2025
Please begin by reading: Luke 1:46-53
When I read this wonderful prayer of worship that Mary pours out, I am reminded that our amazing creator is not distant, but with me in everything that life can throw at me. “He is mindful of the humble state of his servant” God knows exactly what is going on in my life. Mary must have known that life was going to get very difficult and yet she was certain of Gods great care and love.
So, as I journey on through Advent, I feel encouraged to look to him when difficult situations may arise, praising him in all the storms.
An Advent Prayer
God who comes in Jesus, we thank you today for the prophets amongst us. We thank you for the promise of new beginnings and the challenge of your words which call us to radical discipleship. As we look towards Christmas, we commit ourselves to a life that is full of praise and trust in your eternal promises. Lord in your mercy hear our prayer, Jesus, saviour of all, come to us again
Amen.
First Hymn: STF 169 – Come Thou long expected Jesus
Prayer
Gracious God,
As we and our churches, light the third candle of Advent, we remember your promise of peace.
In a world filled with noise and unrest, let your Spirit quiet our hearts.
Teach us to walk in your ways, to seek reconciliation, and to be peacemakers in our homes, our communities, and beyond.
May the light of Christ shine through us,
bringing comfort where there is sorrow,
hope where there is despair,
and peace where there is conflict.
Prepare us, Lord, for the coming of your Son,
that we may welcome him not only with words,
but with lives shaped by your peace.
Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray.
Amen.
Hymn STF 180 – Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuelle
Please Read: John 1:1-16 – The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
Reflection
The Candle and Advent Hope
Yes, it’s that time of year, houses, streets and shops lit with lights. Many of the homes around me began putting up lights and trees in November. It would be very easy to become frustrated at the eagerness to start the festivities. It is, however, a time when this season brings a respite from the doldrums of the year. It is indeed a time of hope and waiting, even if those who decorate their homes so early, forget the true meaning of all those lights! Let’s remember, the skies over Bethlehem were lit by a bright star.
Jesus himself referred to being the “Light of the world”
This weekend and over the next week or so, churches will start to have their Christingle services. This is another wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the wonder of God’s immense love for us as he prepared to come among us, Emmanuel.
In Advent, we wait for Christ’s coming. The candle reminds us that we are not waiting in the dark.
I love Christingle, it is such a wonderful symbol, made from a fruit that comes from God’s wonderful creation. The red ribbon that signifies God’s love. The sticks that signify the seasons and of course the candle that burns so brightly. In a world that can feel shadowed by fear, conflict, or loneliness, the candle stands tall and bright. Its flame is small, yet powerful—it pushes back the darkness, showing us that even the tiniest light can make a difference. That flame is a picture of how God’s love is meant to be shared: Just as one candle can light another without losing its flame, so too can kindness, forgiveness, and peace spread from person to person.
Whatever your circumstances be this year, I encourage you to remember the candle! Each flicker of light is a promise that God is with you. The flame points us towards Christmas, when the true light entered the world in the child of Bethlehem. So, this Advent, remember this.
- Christ’s light shines for you, even in your darkest moments.
- Christ’s light shines through you, when you choose love over hate, peace over conflict, hope over despair.
- Christ’s light is never overcome, for the darkness cannot extinguish it.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, Light of the World,
Shine in our hearts today.
Help us to carry your flame into our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and our communities.
May your light guide us, comfort us, and inspire us to share your love with all.
Amen.
Song – STF 175 – Light of the world
| 1 Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see beauty that made this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with you. So here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you’re my God, and you’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. | 2 King of all days oh so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above. Humbly you came to the earth you created, all for love’s sake became poor. So here I am to worship … And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. So here I am to worship … Tim Hughes Reproduced from Singing the Faith Electronic Words Edition, number 175 Words and Music: © 2000, Thankyou Music. |
As we wait in hope for the coming of Jesus, let us bring our prayers before God
We pray for the Church throughout the world, that it may be a beacon of joy and hope, proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
We pray for nations and leaders, that they may work for peace and justice, bringing light to places overshadowed by conflict and fear.
We pray for our communities, families, and friends, that in this Advent season we may share kindness, generosity, and joy with one another.
We pray for those who are weary, anxious, or burdened, that they may find comfort in God’s presence and strength in the promise of Christ’s coming.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves, that our hearts may be filled with joy as we prepare to welcome Christ, the Light of the world.
Loving God, hear the prayers of your people, and as we rejoice in the coming of your Son, grant us peace in our waiting and joy in our living, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Blessing
May the God of hope fill you with joy,
the Christ of peace walk beside you,
and the Spirit of love guide your steps.
As we wait with glad hearts for the coming of our Lord,
may light shine in our darkness,
Go in peace, rejoicing in the promise of Emmanuel.
Amen.
