The Sovereign Love of God

62

T he C elebration of C hristmas

Assurance of Pardon Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen. Petitions and Supplications, Ending with the Lord’s Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Departing to Serve

Benediction Almighty God, who hast taught us that in the Name of Jesus Christ alone is salvation: Mercifully grant that thy faithful people, ever glorying in his Name, may make thy salvation known to all the world; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

~ England Revised Prayer Book, 1928 (Suter, p. 59)