My thanks to the people of the Unitarian Music Society, who put together the CD of Unitarian Christmas Carols I’ve used for this service…
Opening Words by Sydney Wylde-Nugent (adapted)
We are here this Christmas time to be together,
To feel the warmth of human bodies –
A reassurance against the cold of this winter day.
We come to fill our eyes with the light of candles,
To fill our ears with the sounds of music,
To fill our hearts with the wonder of new hope –
Hope for the love of one another,
Hope for peace on earth with good will toward all.
Chalice Lighting: (words by Richard M. Fewkes, after Howard Thurman)
Let us light the Christmas candles we hold so dear –
A candle of joy wherein sadness disappears [light first candle]
A candle of hope where despair hangs heavy with tears, [light second candle]
A candle of courage to lighten all our fears, [light third candle]
A candle of peace to calm the tempest of the years, [light fourth candle]
A candle of love to ease the burden of our cares, [light chalice candle]
Candles to enflame the heart with the grace
And radiance of Christmas comfort and cheer.
Opening Prayer
O God, it is so easy to let our minds run up and down lists, wondering who we have forgotten; by your grace let it not be you.
Help us to look through the glitter and noise to what the coming of Jesus should really mean. Giving is much praised at thi