Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/72013
170 Don't blow the tall white candle out But leave it burning bright, O long the road they have to go, The bad mile with the good, Till the journey ends on Calvary Beneath a cross of wood. Leave the door upon the latch, And set the fire to keep, And pray they'll rest with us tonight When all the world's asleep." How Suddenly a Baby Cries with Narnian Reel NARRATOR 1: "O long the road they have to go The bad mile with the good, Till the journey ends on Calvary Beneath a cross of wood." And so, too, is our journey long – the bad mingled with the good, the night giving way to the morning. And it will end, as it must, on a road to a hill called Calvary... and the pathway to a garden grave. For although Christmas begins at a manger, it ultimately leads to a cross and an empty tomb. God's gift of the birth of His Son offers each of us the gift of rebirth in His death and resurrection. NARRATOR 3: In 1848, Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander penned a Christmas hymn that would become part of a famous collection called "Hymns for Little Children." Her hymn began: "Once in royal David's city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed..." But the hymn ended: "Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven Set in God's right hand on high; So that they'll know they're welcome here This holy Christmas night. Where like stars His children crowned All in white shall wait around." NARRATOR 1: And this is the message of Christmas. Not only that Jesus lives. Not just that Jesus is coming again. But that now…and forevermore… Jesus saves. (The pastor may insert an invitation or special Christmas message or prayer at this time or directly after "Jesus Saves".) Jesus Saves NARRATOR 3: Christmas doesn't end on December 25th. Christmas isn't a day on the calendar or a memo in a datebook. Christmas is a way of life. Christmas is how we embrace the world. Christmas asks us to light our fires, open our hearts and homes, and offer a standing invitation. NARRATOR 2: Perhaps the most touching of the Irish Christmas customs is the "Laden Table." After the family Christmas meal is over, the kitchen table is set once again. It is filled with loaves of freshly- baked bread with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of cold milk, and a large lit candle. The door is left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph – or any wandering traveler – could avail of the welcome. NARRATOR 1: This Christmas, may each of our lives become a laden table; may each of our hearts become an unlatched door. And may we offer our gift of faith to the waiting world. By Faith NARRATOR 1: May the Lord protect you and bless you today. And may trouble ignore you each step of the way. Christmas joy to you! Preview Copy