Home

Church of Ireland Home

Daily Prayer

Collects & Readings

Christmas Day

25th December 2021

Choose Another Date

Year C  /  Christmas  /  White or Gold

Principal Service

Collect One

O God,
who madest this most holy night
to shine with the brightness of his coming,
who is the light of the world;
Grant that we who on earth hail the brightness of his appearing
may rejoice hereafter in the light of his heavenly glory;
who with thee and the Holy Spirit,
liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever.

Collect Two

Eternal God,
who made this most holy night
to shine with the brightness of your one true light:
Bring us, who have known the revelation
of that light on earth,
to see the radiance of your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Set I

Give us, O God, such love and wonder
that, with shepherds and pilgrims unknown,
we may come to adore the holy Child, the promised King,
and with our gifts worship him,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Set II

All glory to you, gracious God,
for the gift of your Son,
whom you have sent to save us.
With the angels, let us praise your name,
and tell the earth his story,
that all may believe, rejoice, and proclaim your love:
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Set III

Set III should be used at some service during the season of Christmas.

Almighty God,
you gave us your only Son
to take on our human nature
and to illumine the world with your light.
By your grace adopt us as your children
and enlighten us with your Spirit,
through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

View readings

Post Communion Prayer

God our Father,
in this night you have made known to us again
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Confirm our faith and fix our eyes on him
until the day dawns
and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts.
To him be glory both now and for ever.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Isaiah 9: 2-7

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
*S2 - A sign shall be given
150 - Born in the night, Mary's child
*151 - Child in the manger
*52 - Christ, whose glory fills the skies
*124 - Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes
192 - How brightly beams the morning star!
*S84 - Lift high your hearts in blessing
*133 - Long ago, prophets knew
*174 - O little town of Bethlehem
505 - Peace be to this congregation
*369 - Songs of praise the angels sang
*323 - The God of Abraham praise
*199 - The people that in darkness walked
*184 - Unto us is born a Son

Psalm 96

*S20 - Bring to the Lord a glad new song
*S34 - Far and near hear the call
*166 - Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
*360 - Let all the world in every corner sing
*S102 - My Jesus, my Saviour
705 - New songs of celebration render
*196 - O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
*710 - Sing to God new songs of worship
*8 - The Lord is king! Lift up your voice
*373 - To God be the glory!
*S158 - We shall go out with hope of resurrection
377 - You shall go out with joy

Titus 2: 11-14

*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing

Luke 2: 1-14, (15-20)

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
147 - Angels, from the realms of glory
*148 - As Joseph was a-walking
*149 - Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
150 - Born in the night, Mary's child
*151 - Child in the manger
*155 - Ding dong! merrily on high
156 - Don oiche úd in mBeithil (About that night in Bethl'hem)
*S38 - From the squalor of a borrowed stable
*693 - Glory in the highest to the God of heaven!
157 - Glory to God!' all heav'n with joy is ringing
*692 - Glory to God in highest heav'n
*158 - God rest you merry, gentlemen
*159 - Good Christians all, rejoice
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
161 - I know a rose-tree springing
*162 - In the bleak mid-winter
163 - Infant holy, Infant lowly
*164 - It came upon the midnight clear
585 - Jesus, good above all other
*133 - Long ago, prophets knew
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
171 - O Bethl'hem is a small place
*172 - Adests fideles (O come, all ye faithful)
*174 - O little town of Bethlehem
*176 - On Christmas night all Christians sing
*177 - Once in royal David's city
*S118 - People, look east. The time is near
S119 - People, look east to see at last
*179 - See amid the winter's snow
*S123 - See him lying on a bed of straw
*180 - Shepherds came, their praises bringing
*182 - Silent night, holy night
*S132 - Sleep, my darling, I will watch you
*198 - The first Nowell the angel did say
*S149 - The virgin Mary had a baby boy
*114 - Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
*187 - When the crimson sun had set
*188 - While shepherds watched their flocks by night
*S166 - Who would think that what was needed

Isaiah 62: 6-12

*134 - Make way, make way, for Christ the King
142 - Wake, O wake! With tidings thrilling

Psalm 97

*34 - O worship the King all-glorious above
*281 - Rejoice, the Lord is King!
*8 - The Lord is king! Lift up your voice

Titus 3: 4-7

*158 - God rest you merry, gentlemen
305 - O Breath of life, come sweeping through us

Luke 2: (1-7), 8-20

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
147 - Angels, from the realms of glory
*148 - As Joseph was a-walking
*149 - Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
150 - Born in the night, Mary's child
*151 - Child in the manger
*155 - Ding dong! merrily on high
156 - Don oiche úd in mBeithil (About that night in Bethl'hem)
*S38 - From the squalor of a borrowed stable
*693 - Glory in the highest to the God of heaven!
157 - Glory to God!' all heav'n with joy is ringing
*692 - Glory to God in highest heav'n
*158 - God rest you merry, gentlemen
*159 - Good Christians all, rejoice
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
161 - I know a rose-tree springing
*162 - In the bleak mid-winter
163 - Infant holy, Infant lowly
*164 - It came upon the midnight clear
585 - Jesus, good above all other
*133 - Long ago, prophets knew
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
171 - O Bethl'hem is a small place
*172 - Adests fideles (O come, all ye faithful)
*174 - O little town of Bethlehem
*176 - On Christmas night all Christians sing
*177 - Once in royal David's city
*S118 - People, look east. The time is near
S119 - People, look east to see at last
*179 - See amid the winter's snow
*S123 - See him lying on a bed of straw
*180 - Shepherds came, their praises bringing
*182 - Silent night, holy night
*S132 - Sleep, my darling, I will watch you
*198 - The first Nowell the angel did say
*S149 - The virgin Mary had a baby boy
*114 - Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
*187 - When the crimson sun had set
*188 - While shepherds watched their flocks by night
*S166 - Who would think that what was needed

Isaiah 52: 7-10

*479 - Go, tell it on the mountain
*125 - Hail to the Lord's anointed
*129 - How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
*166 - Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
*597 - Take my life, and let it be
387 - Thanks to God, whose Word was spoken
142 - Wake, O wake! With tidings thrilling

Psalm 98

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
147 - Angels, from the realms of glory
*S20 - Bring to the Lord a glad new song
*259 - Christ triumphant, ever reigning
*125 - Hail to the Lord's anointed
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
468 - How shall I sing that majesty
*166 - Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
705 - New songs of celebration render
175 - Of the Father's heart begotten
*710 - Sing to God new songs of worship
*369 - Songs of praise the angels sang
*114 - Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown

Hebrews 1: 1-4, (5-12)

*84 - Alleluia! raise the anthem
147 - Angels, from the realms of glory
*259 - Christ triumphant, ever reigning
*381 - God hath spoken - by his prophets
3 - God is Love: let heaven adore him
*696 - God, we praise you! God, we bless you!
*125 - Hail to the Lord's anointed
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
468 - How shall I sing that majesty
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*164 - It came upon the midnight clear
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
*276 - Majesty, worship his majesty
*228 - Meekness and majesty
*7 - My God, how wonderful thou art
*33 - O Lord of every shining constellation
175 - Of the Father's heart begotten
*136 - On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
*S133 - Sons of the Holy One bright with his splendour
*387 - Thanks to God, whose Word was spoken

John 1: 1-14, (15-18)

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
*84 - Alleluia! raise the anthem
*11 - Can we by searching find out God
87 - Christ is the world's Light, he and none other
*259 - Christ triumphant, ever reigning
*52 - Christ, whose glory fills the skies
*297 - Come, thou Holy Spirit, come
*263 - Crown him with many crowns
410 - Dearest Jesus, at your word (Dearest Jesus, we are here)
*319 - Father of heaven, whose love profound
*381 - God hath spoken - by his prophets
123 - God the Father sends his angel
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
*128 - Hills of the north, rejoice
*6 - Immortal, invisible, God only wise
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*226 - It is a thing most wonderful
*S72 - Jesus is King and I will extol him
*96 - Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it
*427 - Let all mortal flesh keep silence
*195 - Lord, the light of your love is shining
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
*634 - Love divine, all loves excelling
*228 - Meekness and majesty
*172 - Adests fideles (O come, all ye faithful)
70 - O Strength and Stay, upholding all creation
175 - Of the Father's heart begotten
*177 - Once in royal David's city
*182 - Silent night, holy night
*387 - Thanks to God, whose Word was spoken
*202 - What child is this, who, laid to rest
144 - Word of justice, alleluia
*476 - Ye watchers and ye holy ones
*S174 - Your words to me are life and health

Penitential Kyries

Lord God, mighty God, you are the creator of the world. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, you are the Prince of Peace. Christ, have mercy.

All Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit, by your power the Word was made flesh and came to dwell among us. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

Introduction to the Peace

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Preface

You have given Jesus Christ your only Son to be born of the Virgin Mary,
and through him you have given us power to become the children of God:

Blessing

Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly,
fill you with his joy and peace:

Second Service

Collect One

O God,
who madest this most holy night
to shine with the brightness of his coming,
who is the light of the world;
Grant that we who on earth hail the brightness of his appearing
may rejoice hereafter in the light of his heavenly glory;
who with thee and the Holy Spirit,
liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever.

Collect Two

Eternal God,
who made this most holy night
to shine with the brightness of your one true light:
Bring us, who have known the revelation
of that light on earth,
to see the radiance of your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Psalm

The First Reading

The Gospel Reading

*if it has not been used at the Principal Service of the day

View readings

Post Communion Prayer

God our Father,
in this night you have made known to us again
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Confirm our faith and fix our eyes on him
until the day dawns
and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts.
To him be glory both now and for ever.

Suggested Hymns

An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.

Psalm 8

*316 - Bright the vision that delighted
*6 - Immortal, invisible, God only wise
*276 - Majesty, worship his majesty
*362 - O God, beyond all praising
*32 - O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
*33 - O Lord of every shining constellation

Psalm 110

*250 - All hail the power of Jesu's name
*259 - Christ triumphant, ever reigning
*319 - Father of heaven, whose love profound
*92 - How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
*281 - Rejoice, the Lord is King!
*285 - The head that once was crowned with thorns
291 - Where high the heavenly temple stands

Isaiah 65: 17-25

*512 - From thee all skill and science flow
49 - Lord, bring the day to pass
*369 - Songs of praise the angels sang
292 - Ye choirs of new Jerusalem

Philippians 2: 5-11

*250 - All hail the power of Jesu's name
684 - All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine
*218 - And can it be that I should gain
*630 - Blessed are the pure in heart
*496 - For the healing of the nations
*454 - Forth in the peace of Christ we go
*219 - From heav'n you came, helpless babe
*S38 - From the squalor of a borrowed stable
*91 - He is Lord, he is Lord
*S51 - He made the stars to shine
*523 - Help us to help each other, Lord
*211 - Immortal love for ever full
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*S59 - I will offer up my life
*S60 - I will sing the wondrous story
*S70 - Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice
*S72 - Jesus is King and I will extol him
*96 - Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it
*S86 - Light of the world
275 - Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious
*S91 - Lord, I lift your name on high
*168 - Lord, you were rich beyond all splendour
*636 - May the mind of Christ my Saviour
*228 - Meekness and majesty
*S97 - Morning glory, starlit sky
*102 - Name of all majesty
392 - Now is eternal life
*173 - O Jesu so meek, O Jesu so kind
*285 - The head that once was crowned with thorns
*112 - There is a Redeemer
*114 - Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
116 - To our Redeemer's glorious name
*117 - To the name of our salvation
*S169 - Word of the Father, the life of creation

Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25

*250 - All hail the power of Jesu's name
689 - Come, sing praises to the Lord above
*125 - Hail to the Lord's anointed
161 - I know a rose-tree springing
*135 - O come, O come, Emmanuel
*136 - On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry

Matthew 1: 18-25

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
*S2 - A sign shall be given
*S4 - All hail the Lamb, enthroned on high
*250 - All hail the power of Jesu's name
*148 - As Joseph was a-walking
*152 - Come and join the celebration
*S27 - Come, sing the praise of Jesus
*119 - Come, thou long-expected Jesus
153 - Come, thou Redeemer of the earth
462 - For Mary, mother of our Lord
*159 - Good Christians all, rejoice
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
*92 - How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
162 - In the bleak mid-winter
*94 - In the name of Jesus
*99 - Jesus, the name high over all
*S82 - Let me tell you about a baby
*S83 - Let us talents and tongues employ
*133 - Long ago, prophets knew
*168 - Lord, you were rich beyond all splendour
*102 - Name of all majesty
*135 - O come, O come, Emmanuel
*174 - O little town of Bethlehem
175 - Of the Father's heart begotten
472 - Sing we of the blessèd Mother
139 - The angel Gabriel from heaven came
*S149 - The virgin Mary had a baby boy
*S151 - This is the truth sent from above
*117 - To the name of our salvation
186 - What Adam's disobedience cost
*S160 - When Joseph went to bed one night

Luke 2: 1-20*

Note: *if it has not been used at the Principal Service of the day

*146 - A great and mighty wonder
147 - Angels, from the realms of glory
*148 - As Joseph was a-walking
*149 - Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
150 - Born in the night, Mary's child
*151 - Child in the manger
*155 - Ding dong! merrily on high
156 - Don oiche úd in mBeithil (About that night in Bethl'hem)
*S38 - From the squalor of a borrowed stable
*693 - Glory in the highest to the God of heaven!
157 - Glory to God!' all heav'n with joy is ringing
*692 - Glory to God in highest heav'n
*158 - God rest you merry, gentlemen
*159 - Good Christians all, rejoice
*160 - Hark! the herald-angels sing
161 - I know a rose-tree springing
*162 - In the bleak mid-winter
163 - Infant holy, Infant lowly
*164 - It came upon the midnight clear
585 - Jesus, good above all other
*133 - Long ago, prophets knew
*170 - Love came down at Christmas
171 - O Bethl'hem is a small place
*172 - Adests fideles (O come, all ye faithful)
*174 - O little town of Bethlehem
*176 - On Christmas night all Christians sing
*177 - Once in royal David's city
*S118 - People, look east. The time is near
S119 - People, look east to see at last
*179 - See amid the winter's snow
*S123 - See him lying on a bed of straw
*180 - Shepherds came, their praises bringing
*182 - Silent night, holy night
*S132 - Sleep, my darling, I will watch you
*198 - The first Nowell the angel did say
*S149 - The virgin Mary had a baby boy
*114 - Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
*187 - When the crimson sun had set
*188 - While shepherds watched their flocks by night
*S166 - Who would think that what was needed

Penitential Kyries

Lord God, mighty God, you are the creator of the world. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, you are the Prince of Peace. Christ, have mercy.

All Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit, by your power the Word was made flesh and came to dwell among us. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

Introduction to the Peace

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Preface

You have given Jesus Christ your only Son to be born of the Virgin Mary,
and through him you have given us power to become the children of God:

Blessing

Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly,
fill you with his joy and peace:

Calendar

Our use of cookies

Some cookies are necessary for us to manage how our website behaves while other optional, or non-necessary, cookies help us to analyse website usage. You can Accept All or Reject All optional cookies or control individual cookie types below.

You can read more in our Cookie Notice

Functional

These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.