How is the size? Narrator #1: Christmas has come again. That special time of year in which we celebrate the birth of Christ, his mission on Earth, and his death and resurrection. What a wondrous time of year it is. A time of rebirth for all who listen to His message and heed His call. A time when the Christian world remembers the birth of a baby; a special birth which led to the world being saved from all error and sin. His birth was first announced to the shepherds by an angel choir; and they rejoiced. The wise men were led by a new star; and they rejoiced. Today, we rejoice each Christmas, as we, too, announce the birth of our Savior. does this work?
Primary: Stars Were Gleaming
Stars were gleaming, shepherds dreaming; And the night was dark and chill. Angels’ story rang with glory; Shepherds heard it on the hill. Ah, that singing! Hear it ringing, Earthward winging, Christmas bringing! Hearken! We can hear it still! Does this work?
See the clearness and the nearness Of the blessed Christmas star, Leading, guiding; wise men riding Through the desert dark and far. Lovely showing, shining, growing, Onward going, gleaming, glowing, Leading still, our Christmas star!
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Narrator #2: Exploring And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Narrator #1: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Narrator #2: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Ward Choir: A Miracle Is Born
On a silent, holy night a star shines bright, and reveals the time long foretold is come. For, as the earth grows still, God’s promise is fulfilled. With His love, He sends us His Son.
Mary wraps her newborn babe in swaddling bands, knowing He’s God’s Only Begotten Son. She whispers in His ear her joy that He is here and declares a miracle is born.
She knows salvation is come in God’s Holy Son. His birth that heav’n proclaims leaves earth forever changed. On this night a miracle is born. Rev’rence fills each heart as holy angels sing, praising God on high for His gift of love. Their heartfelt hymns declare God hears and answers prayer. For our sake, He sends us His Son.
Shepherds humbly kneel beside His manger bed and behold the symbol of God’s pure love. This babe the earth receives brings hope to all that breathe. On this night a miracle is born.
They know salvation is come in God’s Holy Son. His birth that heav’n proclaims leaves earth forever changed. On this night a miracle is born to raise our souls to heav’n. On this night a miracle is born.
Narrator #1: And it came to pass, as 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 hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Ward Choir: Were You There on that Christmas Night?
Were you there, were you there on that Christmas night, when the world was filled with a holy light? Were you there to behold when the wonder foretold came to earth?
Did you see, did you see how they hailed him King, with the gifts so rare that they chose to bring? Did you see how they bowed, as they praised him aloud at his birth?
Did you hear how the choir of angels sang at the glory of the sight? Did you hear how the bells of heaven rang all through the night?
Did you know, did you know it was God's own Son, the salvation of the world begun? Did you know it was love that was sent from above to the earth?
Narrator #2: 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, 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. [And Herod consulted all the chief priests and scribes] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet [Isaiah], Then Herod…sent them to Bethlehem,...
Narrator #1: 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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.
Musical Number: Gesù, Bambino
When blossoms flowered ‘mid the snows Upon a winter night Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose The King of love and light The angels sang, the shepherds sang The grateful earth rejoiced And at His blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced
Oh come, let us adore Him Christ, the Lord
Again the heart with rapture glows To greet the holy night That gave the world it's Christmas Rose The King of love and light Let every voice acclaim His name The grateful chorus swell From paradise to earth He came That we with Him might dwell
Oh come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord
Narrator #2: The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was only the beginning. As he grew, He grew in strength and understanding. He learned from both of his earthly parents and, also, from His Heavenly Parents. He grew in wisdom and matured and experienced the pains and sorrows of earth life. He learned patience and understanding as he experienced all the trials, and joy, of life. For with hard times, there are, also, times of joy.
Ward Choir: Born to Wear a Crown
Lo, a Child, born to low estate, lies where ox and lamb are fed. Nor was found a place more worthy, for this Child, no softer bed Born to wear a crown of glory, brighter far than earth affords, For this Child laid in a manger Is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Lo, his palace is a stable, and His robes are swaddling bands. Starlight the gem upon his brow, Love the scepter in his hand.
Born to wear a crown of glory, brighter far than earth affords, For this Child laid in a manger Is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Holy infant Son of Mary, Born in Bethlehem this night, He shall be enthroned in heaven, Robed in honor, robed in light, Born to wear a crown of glory, brighter far than earth affords. For this Child laid in a manger, is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Narrator #1: Prophets foretold Jesus’ birth with swaddling wrap, His death on the cross, His resurrection on the third day, and His second coming in crimson robes. Even with these prophecies, how amazing, and humbling, that such a small seemingly insignificant child born in a stable eventually becomes the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
Ward Choir: From Swaddling Wrap to Crimson Robe
Now he lies in a humble manger; Just a babe in a stable bare. Now his place, a lowly stable represents his kingdom here. Now his word is but a whimper; His decree a baby cry. Yet as the sound of rushing waters His command will multiply. His command will multiply.
Such majesty from Bethlehem! From swaddling wrap to crimson robe! Would I think that one so small could be the Savior of us all?
Now a teacher on the shoreline, thousands flock to see him there. He would heal the faithful lambs and guide them to a higher fare. Now he stands in splendid glory, He appears in dazzling light. Kings and lords kneel now before him seeking refuge in his might. Seeking refuge in his might.
Such majesty from Bethlehem! From swaddling wrap to crimson robe! Would I think that one so small could be the Savior of us all? Would I think that one so small could be the Savior of us all?
Narrator #2: From a humble stable in a small community, he has become the king of a never-ending kingdom. He was born to experience a human life; and died to save all of mankind. His resurrection opened the gates of Heaven to us all. Through him, we are saved and are able to return to our Heavenly home. His life gave us a pattern to follow, a guide to a life of peace and understanding of our Heavenly Father.
Ward Choir: Behold the Lamb of God
Break forth into joy, oh Israel, behold the Lamb of God. He comes to earth this day to spread His light abroad. Angel voices raise their song, join in praise with Heaven’s throng. Break forth and sing hosannas, hosannas to our King.
Break forth into joy, oh Israel, behold the Lamb of God. The Holy One who was ordained to be our iron rod. Heaven rejoices at His birth, morning stars proclaim His worth. Awake and sing hosannas, hosannas to our King!
Oh, come all ye faithful. Oh, come, all ye faithful, rejoice! Hosanna, rejoice! Break forth into joy, oh Israel, behold the Lamb of God. Immanuel, the prophets said, all heaven and earth would laud. Born this day in Bethlehem, He comes to earth to save all men. Christ the Lord is born to us. Awake and sing. Awake and sing hosannas to our King!
Narrator #1: As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us also celebrate His life and death. And, most of all, we should celebrate His resurrection. It is in the fulfillment of His entire mission, that He is the Savior of the World, the Redeemer of Israel, and the Prince of Peace.
Narrator #2: His birth was only the beginning for a glorious and wonderful King of Kings. Let us look to the future with joy and celebrate forever His life and mission.