A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
READING #1
It was a quiet cool, even chilly,night like any other night in the Judean
foothills near Bethlehem. A breeze rustles the leaves as they scamper to
safe hideaways from the cold. A donkey brays in the distance. The soft
clip-clop of tired hooves echo through the night mournfully slow then they
stop. A sharp knock is heard. A cat meows frightened and darts into
darkened alley. An ancient door creaks on heavy hinges as light flood the
face of a weary traveller and spills into the street. The murmur of v
oices, occasional loud laughter escapes through the open door. In the
background is the distinctive sound of dishes and pans, and wafts of
fragrant garlic, roasted meat, and fresh baked bread fill the air.
"NO ROOM..!" is all that the passerby can discern of that brief hurried,
almost rude, exchange. The door creaks closed with a cavernous finality to
the exhausted traveler.
"NO ROOM FOR THE KING OF KINGS!" Mourns the dusty traveler.
The willows weep. The stars hang their heads in shame. The wind whispers
softly to pained virgin with child, "Forgive them, they know not what they
do..."
#141 O Little Town Of Bethlehem
READING #2
The ground was hard and cold. With stomachs full, chores ended, and after
telling tales by firelight the tired shepherds spread out their woolen mats
for a few deserved hours of shut-eye before the second watch of the night is
called. Weary, heavy with sleep from the monotony of a never ending job
they begin to drift into a nether state, breathing heavily, snoring
slightly.
In a half dream like state they her the tinkling sounds of wind chimes, or
is it just the wind? The sky grows slowly brighter, then all is ablaze in
brilliant white light that stings the eyes.
Petrified, hearts racing for fear of this extraterrestrial visitation, they
hear voices, and out of the noise comes a clear thunderous voice of what can
only be described as an angel.
"Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord."
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, Counsellor, the
Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
And this will be the proof to you. You will find the baby wrapped in
swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
Then the whole heaven seemed to rend in two with shouts of praise and
singing such as never heard, saying 'Glory to God in the Highest and on
earth peace good will to men."
And then just as suddenly as it began, it was over. They were gone,
replaced by a light, not as bright as what they had seen, but just as
glorious in splendor a huge shimmering, glistening, dazzling star! It
brightened the ski and flooded the fields and meadows paving a highway to
Bethlehem.
#136 The First Noel
READING #3
Our weary traveling couple is safe. They had found lodging, warmth, and
rest in a stable. That's right, a stable. A hay mound makes a soft bed as
any inn can offer. A manger serves as a perfect crib. The Savior is born!
Midst the pungent oders of a stable the Christ child was born. Nothing
could be more natural, more down to earth.
Oh, what a child he is! Soft, fuzzy, red and round...but wait there is
more. He seems to actually glow. No, its more than that. It is something
within him that seems to radiate a warmth, an inner beauty that everyone in
town and for miles around is drawn to him. Already the stable is crowded
with visitors...shepherds, travellers, neighbors, even the inn keeper
couldn't stay away. They all have a story to tell how they were drawn
miraculously to this stable. They act so strangely, most stand silently ,
just staring, adoring this unusual child born in such strange and adverse
surrounding. Many kneel by his crib. Tears fill their eyes, a lump gathers
in their throats, a song of joy in their hearts.
Who is this child that he moves men so? Who is this child that he draws
men to himself?
# 131 Angels From The Realms Of Glory
READING #4
Though 2000 years have nearly past he retains the same warmth, that strange
glow that draws men to him. He is the focal point of history, the
personage by which even the atheist measures time. he floods the world with
light of love, hope, peace and joy. He inspires artist, song writers,
poets, playwrights and preachers. Little children still love to hear his
wonderful story. Old folks continue to kneel before him in awe and worship.
Eyes still fill with tears, lumps still gather in our throats, and songs of
joy echo throughout the earth. Wise men still worship him, receive him as
their own, and follow him even to death.
Who is this baby born in a stable? It is Christ the Lord. Jesus our Savior
who came to take away our sins. He is Emmanuel God with us, the King of
kings, the Lord of lords!
This Christmas eve we light candles remembering his light that shatters the
darkness of sin forever. And we pray him to light our candles so we too may
brightly shine in our dark world --- and reflect his light, love, hope, joy
and peace to those around us.
|