Reader #1:
In this special Christmas season, it
is easy to be distract by the many traditions and activities calling for our
attention. Good and worthy activities like finding gifts for others and making
time to spend with family can be stressful. Hosting or attending parties, finals,
or travelling can be even more so. In all the rushing and chaos that can
surround us, are we able to look through the tinsel and ornaments, past our
ever-growing-to-do lists, and see the glorious peace, hope, and joy at the
center of this holiday? Do we understand in our hearts that it’s not about the
tests, the gifts, or the busy-ness, but something – or someone – so much
greater than that?
I wonder if that Holy Family felt similarly
to us that season. As Bethlehem was filled past capacity and the delivery of
their baby was approaching, might Mary and Joseph have experienced similar
feelings of urgency and stress? Did they take the time to remember that the
Savior of the world was about to come to their family?
Mary, Can I Hold Your Baby? – Small SATB Group
Reader #2
1 And it came to
pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all
his empire should be taxed.
3 And all went to
be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also
went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of
David, which is called Bethlehem
5 To be taxed with
Mary his espoused wife, she being great with child.
Oh, Little Town of
Bethlehem – Choir and cello
Reader #2
6 And so it was,
that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered.
7 And she brought
forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in
a manger; because there was no one to give room for them in the inns.
Away in a Manger –
Flute Duet or Choir
Reader #1
8 And there were
in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night.
9 And, lo, an
angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel
said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this is the
way ye shall find the babe: he is wrapped in swaddling clothes, and is lying in
a manger.
13 And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and
saying,
14 Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.
Behold the Lamb of God – Choir and Organ
Reader #2
15 And it came to
pass, when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is
come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.
16 And they came
with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Guard Him Joseph –
Duet, ST/B
Reader #1
17 And when they
had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning
this child.
18 And all they
that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept
all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they
had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
O Holy Night –
TTBB
Reader #2
1 Now when Jesus
was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there
came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is
he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and
are come to worship him.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of
Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a
Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the
wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem...
9 When they had heard the king, they departed;
and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came
and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw
the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Wise Men Still Seek Him – Choir or SATB group
Reader #1
11 ¶And when they
were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and
fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented
unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Reader #2
Let us remember,
as we are giving and receiving presents this season, the greatest gift that has
ever been given. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten
son, that whomsoever believeth in him...should have everlasting life!”
“For unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Remember Our
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the wonderful gift of the atonement that
they have given to us.
Joy to the World (closing Hymn) - Choir and Congregation
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