Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/72013
169 a means of income during the holiday season. These singers were called "Waits" and they would greet each family with a carol and announcement of the time and the weather conditions. (calling out) "Eight o'clock and all is clear!" "Nine thirty and a wee bit o' rain has begun to fall!" NARRATOR 1: So I think it's about time we joined the Waits and the angels; (looking at watch, calling out) It's seven- thirty* (*announce actual time), the air is warm and clear, so let's lift our voices in song so the entire neighborhood can hear! (The audience is led in singing the following carols) The Carolin' Reel includes Joy to the World; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Deck the Halls; and O Come, All Ye Faithful NARRATOR 2: Carols can fill the heavens with blinding light and thunderous praise, or whisper in the dark to the sleeping newborn Child in a tiny manger bed. "The Darkest Midnight" is an ancient Irish carol from the village of Kylemore. It is still sung today – softly and gently, at midnight services on Christmas Eve. NARRATOR 3: " The darkest midnight in December No snow nor hail nor winter storm Shall hinder us for to remember The babe that on this night was born. With shepherds we are come to see This lovely infant's glorious charms Born of a maid as the prophets said The God of love in Mary's arms." NARRATOR 1: Softly. And gently. Let us draw near, and worship together at this manger...at this hallowed manger ground. (The audience can join the following worship song if they so choose) Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) NARRATOR 1: On the eve that Christ was born, a single star ignited the heavens. The light led the way for three travelers from the East. When the Magi arrived, they recognized the Child as the king they sought. They bowed down and worshipped Him, offering gifts of gold and incense and myrrh. NARRATOR 2: But not all would revere the Messiah that had come to our world. (opening a Bible to read) God's word tells us: "And when [the Magi] were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise, take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: For Herod, [the king of Judea], will seek the young child to destroy him." (Matthew 2:13 KJV) NARRATOR 1: An ancient Irish custom reaches across the centuries to aid this perilous journey that the Holy Family made. Each Irish household leaves a lighted candle in their front window on Christmas night. The tradition holds that Joseph and Mary and the Child may still wander the roads of the world, looking for a place to rest from the persecution of Herod. NARRATOR 3: And so a candle is lit, to help light their way. The privilege of striking the match to light the candle is usually given to the youngest member of the family. NARRATOR 1: A Celtic poem from antiquity pays homage to this beautiful tradition. "Brush the floor and clean the hearth And set the fire to keep, For they might visit us tonight When all the world's asleep. Preview Copy