Christmas Program 2014 Makemie Presbyterian Church “Love Came Down at Christmas” adapted from the Candles and Carol cantata by Mark Hayes & Pamela Martin

Christmas Program 2014 Makemie Presbyterian Church

“Love Came Down at Christmas”

adapted from the Candles and Carol cantata

                                                     by Mark Hayes & Pamela Martin

Prelude

Call to Worship

We are called to the Light

Our hearts are seeking its warmth

Let us open our hearts to the Light of Christ

He has come, he is here, the Savior of the World. Amen.

Opening Hymn #9 O Come O Come Emmanuel

Part I

Narrator I: For generations, the people of the Old Testament awaited the Promised Messiah. God sent prophet after prophet to deliver this message of continued hope: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you a hope and a future. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Therefore, be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Narrator II: In gratitude for the prophets and all who bring the message of hope to our world, we light this candle of hope. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of the gospel, who preach glad tidings.”

Narrator I: For yesterday’s prophets and today’s messengers who proclaim the hope of salvation to people everywhere, we give thanks.

Hymn #2 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Part II

Narrator I: An angel of the Lord appeared to simple shepherds, saying “Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Hymn The First Noel #56

Narrator I: Suddenly the heavenly host appeared praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom His favor rests.”

Scene I

Shepherd appears looking around. Angel appears, shepherd looks frightened.

Angel: Do not be afraid. I have good news to share.

Shepherd 1: Tell us the news.

Angel: A baby has been born in Bethlehem and his name is Jesus.

Shepherd 1: Let’s go to Bethlehem!!

Sheep: I’m going too!

Shepherd and angel go down the aisle as if headed to Bethlehem.

Narrator II: In gratitude for the shepherds who were the first to see the Prince of Peace, we light the candle of peace.

light candle

Narrator II: The announcement of His birth was not to royalty, nor to the famous, but to the simple, common people of the day. After they had seen Him lying in the mange, the shepherds told everyone they met about this child, the bearer of peace. Hear the word of the Lord, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace, for there is a future for the people of peace.”

Narrator I: For yesterday’s simple shepherds and for today’s ordinary people across the globe who welcome peace and work on its behalf, we give thanks.

Hymn Hark the Herald Angels Sing # 31

Part III

Narrator I: Mary and her husband Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the census declared by Caesar Augustus because Joseph was from the house of David. So they traveled long and far and finally reached the town late in the night.

Narrator II: There was no room for them in the inn because the town was very crowded. They were given a room in the stable. There with the warmth of the animals all around the infant Jesus was born.

Scene II

Mary and Joseph come to the stable. They hold the baby and place him in the manger.

Mary: My soul magnifies the Lord! and my spirit rejoices in God my savior!

Joseph: We’re glad he is here! We will call him Jesus.

Mary: Yes, God is here! Now it’s time to sleep.

Hymn #53 What Child is this?

Shepherd comes to the manger during the song and sits by the manger.

Part IV

Narrator I: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, magi from the East came seeking Him and asked, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.”

And the star they had seen went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, the magi were filled with joy.

Scene III

Wiseman 1: Have you seen the star?

Wiseman 2: Yes, it’s still over in the East, just look East and you’ll see it.

Wiseman 1: Oh, there it is. I guess we’ll keep following it…

The wisemen walk from one direction to the next until they arrive at the stable.

Wiseman 2: We’ve traveled far to come to see the child.

Wiseman 1: He is the new king and we bow before him

They bow before him and lay the gifts at the manger.

Mary: Jesus is the gift from heaven above.

Wiseman 2: he fills our hearts with joy and love!

Hymn Away in a Manger

Narrator II: In gratitude for wise men and seekers everywhere in search of Christ, we light this candle of joy.

Light candle

Narrator II: Hear the word of the Lord: “I will turn your mourning into gladness; I will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I tell you the truth: you may weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you may grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

Narrator I: For the magi of yesterday who crossed the expanse of nations, and for those today who bridges the chasms of the heart, earnestly seeking the Source of everlasting joy, we give you thanks.

Part V

Narrator I: This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. The Son of the Most High was born in the humble surroundings of a stable, because there was no room for him in the inn.

Narrator II: In gratitude for the one who room in his stable, and for all who have room in their hearts for the Savior, we light this candle of love.

light candle

Narrator II: Hear the word of the Lord: “I have loved you with an everlasting love. My command is this: Love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Narrator I: For the one who opened the stable doors of yesterday, and for those who open their hearts today to the love of God, we give thanks.

Scene IV

All focused on the manger as they speak

ALL: Come into our hearts Lord Jesus. Come into our hearts today.

song: Love Came Down

Part VI

Narrator I: In gratitude for the One announced by the light of the stars and angels, we light the Christ Candle.

light candle

Narrator I: Hear the Word of the Lord: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” For the Light of Christ that shines in the darkness for all people in all times, we give thanks.

Narrator II: Go now and share the Good News of the gospel of peace: I have come to comfort those who mourn, to give htem joy instead of sorrow, hope instead of despair. My unfailing love will not be shaken; my promise of peace stands forever. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Narrator I: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of the darkness,” has made His light shine in your hearts. No one lights a lamp and hides it. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. In the same way, let your light shine. You are the light of the world. Go now as children of Light.

Scene V

All standing in a line now and taking a bow.

ALL: We are the light of the world. We are children of light and so are you!

Hymn Silent Night.

Benediction

Postlude