Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/759990
Hope in the Shadows - Narrations 81 6 The Shadow of Humiliation Mocked, falsely accused, beaten, and sentenced to death, Jesus – the tangible expression of God's great love – was nailed to a cross between two robbers to die a criminal's crucifixion. In a final act of love, Jesus humbled himself and be- came obedient to death, even death on a cross. (5th candle is extinguished) 7 The Shadow of Death It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Fa- ther, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (6th candle is extinguished) 8 The Shadow of the Cross When the centurion saw all that happened as Jesus died, he exclaimed, "Surely this was the Son of God!" As evening approached, a man from Arimathea named Joseph, having received permission from Pilate, came and took the body off of the cross. He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own tomb that he had cut out of the rock. The words of Isaiah had been fulfilled on the cross that day: "He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniq- uities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (7th candle is extinguished) 9 Epilogue (Candle #1 is re-lit during narration) We stand forgiven at the cross. The gift of life made available to us because of the death of Christ brings hope into the shadows of our lives, light into our dark world. So let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and who now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. 5 The Shadow of Injustice Jesus was arrested and taken before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, where he was accused by the Priests and Elders. He made no attempt to defend himself and Pilate handed him over to the angry crowd to be executed. They mocked Jesus by making him wear a purple robe and a crown made of thorns. Pilate, painfully aware of the monumental injustice that had been done, washed his hands and declared himself innocent of Jesus's blood. (4th candle is extinguished) For Preview Only