Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/144439
151 function as worship leaders and help lead the audience in singing the moving chorus of this song. y Gloria (The Song of the Shepherds) "Gloria" begins immediately after the conclusion of "Waiting Here for You." Rather than focusing on the angels' announcement, this vibrant new song from Jason Gray and Randall Goodgame describes the shepherds' reaction to the announcement – and "with their hearts on fire" they ran to tell the world about the birth of Jesus! Therefore, if you elect to depict this scene with costumed Biblical characters, you will want to send the shepherds out into the aisles of the auditorium. They can actually go up to audience members and spread the good news. At the conclusion of the song, the shepherds can meet at the front of the sanctuary with their hands raised in praise. O nl Adore Him (Carol Medley) The focus now shifts to the Bethlehem stable. If you are using Biblical characters, during the narration the lights should shift to the manger area with Mary and Joseph. The shepherds slowly approach the manger and kneel in worship. The narrator(s) lead the audience in a time of worship with some of our most beloved carols. re vi ew Underscore (Come and Behold Him) Christmas Is Coming now moves into the final segment where the audience is challenged to consider the message of the musical and, if desired, given the opportunity to respond. The narrators might move closer to the audience so that they can address them directly. If you have used any Biblical characters, they should unobtrusively exit at the beginning of this sequence. You can keep a single light focused on the manger. Fo rP People Wait This profound new song of worship and praise provides a perfect summation of the musical's theme of expectation: from the centuries of waiting for the coming of the Messiah, to the waiting at a sealed tomb that is discovered to be empty, to our waiting for Christ to return to us. If possible, the audience should freely join in on the choruses of "Hallelujahs." This is another song that you can teach your congregation during Advent. It is certain to become a favorite year round. The song is led by a soloist who also functions as worship leader. If your pastor wishes to deliver a message or prayer, it should follow "People Wait." The final responsive reading provides a benediction and an opportunity to corporately declare the joy of Christmas. The sequence begins somewhat softly then progressively builds in excitement. If you have elected to not use the Accompaniment DVD, be sure the responsive reading is clearly printed in the program or bulletin. If you decide you do not want to involve the audience, this final sequence can be delivered by the narrators and choir. During this final underscore, the children's choir should enter once again and join the adults. Finale with Joy to the World, Christmas Is Coming and He Has Come for Us The exuberant Finale is shared by the adult choir, the children's choir, and the audience. If you have used any other participants in your program, be sure they also join the Finale. Once again, the narrator(s) act as worship leaders and lead the audience in this final expression of praise to our Lord.