St Nicholas Eve Service

Special Evening Service for the Eve of St Nicholas Day

This service is part of the Patronal Festival at St Nicholas Parish Church, North Walsham, Norfolk, UK

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Boy Bishop

I greet you all. Today we give thanks for St Nicholas and rejoice that in Christ's name he spoke out fearlessly against oppression, did many acts of kindness and proclaimed God's justice.

Almighty God,
We await your coming,
We long to meet you,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
And worthily magnify your holy name
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Boy Bishop

We light the second candle to remind us that Jesus came to give light to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Boy Bishop

Grace, mercy and peace
From God our Father
And the Lord Jesus Christ
Be with you.

And also with you.

Hymn

Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes

Call To Worship

Leader

The Spirit of the Lord was upon him.

All

To bring good news to the poor and to heal the brokenhearted.

Leader

Let us pray.

All powerful God,
you made St. Nicholas a bishop and leader of the church
to inspire your people with his teaching and example.
May we give fitting honour to his memory
and be inspired by the holiness of his life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever-and ever.
Amen.

Hymn

Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation

Welcome

Boy Bishop welcomes the congregation

The Ministry of the Word

Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 10.33–11.9

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23 or Psalm 121 choir

After the Psalm

We call upon Your mercy, 0 Lord.
keep us safe amid all dangers
so that we may go forward without hindrance on the road of salvation. Amen.

New Testament Lesson 1 John 4.7–13 read by Boy Bishop
This is the Word of the Lord.

Reflections on St Nicholas: The Children's Friend

Hymn

When I need a neigbour, were you there

Reflections of a Belgian childhood

Rejoice, O divine delight of the afflicted,
Rejoice the fervent advocate of those who suffer from injustice
and are beset by danger.

The Bishop

Hymn

Ye watchers and ye holy ones

Reflections on Nicholas from Basil 4th century
Reflections on Nicholas from Lord Runcie 20th century

Rejoice, O guardian of the people of Myra,
Their Bishop and honoured counselor,
The pillar of the church which cannot be shaken.

Rejoice, O light full of brightness
that makes the ends of the world shine with wonders.
—Orthodox Liturgy

The Saint

Hymn

Christ is the King, O friends rejoice!

Reflections on Nicholas as Patron Saint to many

Rejoice, the glory of the fathers,
the fountain of wonders and great protector of the faithful.
O blessed Saint Nicholas full of goodness and love,
draw us to the radiance of your face
and inspire us in your way of holiness.

Rejoice, those who walk in the way of humility and service.
Come join Nicholas in the company of the Saints in light.

Anthem

Intercessions

Hymn

Love divine, all loves excelling

Blessing

Boy Bishop

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

From St Nicholas Parish Church, North Walsham, Norfolk, UK. Used by permission.