LIGHT INTO THE WORLD

  
HEBREWS 1:1-3


1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

HYMN #69VU “Away in A Manger”

JOHN 1:1-14

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

MESSAGE

(Project the first slide and begin in a dramatic whisper.)

1. Shhh… here he is… Baby Jesus, sleeping. This isn’t an ordinary baby and his birth isn’t an ordinary story. It happened over 2000 years ago and we still tell it every year at Christmas time. So, get ready because it’s time to hear (and see) the story again.

2. A long, long time ago there lived a young woman named Mary. One night Mary sat at her window and gazed up into the night sky. She felt a new stirring in her heart. The darkness seemed to change and she saw a wondrous light. It grew brighter and brighter and then it seemed like the light came right into her bedroom!

3. Was this an angel?!? Deep down and all around Mary heard the words, “Mary, you’re going to have a baby and he will be the special leader – the Messiah – that God promised to send to the world. His name will be Jesus.” At first Mary was afraid. She didn’t understand how this could happen. She thought about it for a while and then she answered the angel,

4. “If that is God’s plan for me, that is what will happen.” Mary felt God’s love around her, like a big warm hug and she wasn’t afraid anymore. Mary heard that Elizabeth was having a baby, too. Mary decided to visit Elizabeth.

5. They had so much to talk about. As Mary approached Elizabeth’s home, she called out, “Elizabeth, it’s Mary!” At that moment the baby in Elizabeth kicked with joy.

6. Mary was happy and she sang, “I am filled with joy and I praise God!” Then some bad news arrived.

7. The Roman govern¬ment wanted a census done and Mary and Joseph would have to travel to Bethlehem to be counted.

8. This couldn’t have come at a worse time! Mary’s baby would be born soon and Bethlehem was a long way off. Mary thought about that long trip. The road seemed endless and she knew it would be difficult. She also knew that God would be with them on this journey.

9. So, they loaded up their donkey with food, water and blankets and they set off. Mary thought about the road again and she said to herself, “We’re walking down this road as husband and wife but when we travel home again, we’ll be a new family.” Everywhere Mary and Joseph went in Bethlehem it was the same thing.

10. No. No. No. No room for you. Mary cried, “Joseph, we need to find a room soon – I’m so tired and our baby’s going to be born tonight!” “Mary, there are so many people here. It looks like every inn is full. I’ll keep looking but I’m getting worried.”

11. Finally, an innkeeper said, “I have no room in my inn but you can sleep in my stable. At least it’s warm with the animals in there. It’s the only room I have. I’ll let you stay there cheap!” Mary and Joseph were grateful.

12. And on that dark night, Jesus was born into the world. (in silence, moved from darkness into light and Jesus’ birth)

13. The news spread quickly.

14. In fact, the whole universe was excited about the news! The planets and stars and comets and moons danced in the sky. They sang praises to God for this wonderful gift. The universe sang, “Let the heavens be glad! Let the skies rejoice! Joy to the world! Let every heart prepare him room …and heaven and na¬ture sing.” And the heavens did sing that night!

15. There were shepherds out that night and they, too, heard the heavens singing. There was a strange and holy light and the shepherds looked up when the sky started to speak. Angels!

16. It felt like the earth was moving and changing right under them. The angels sang, “Gloria! Christ is born in Bethlehem. Glory to the newborn king!” The mountains shone and the air rushed and swirled around the shepherds.

17. The shepherds were the first visitors at the stable. When they arrived, the shepherds saw that everyone, even the sleeping baby, was smiling and happy.

18. Jesus had the sweetest smile on his face and the everyone kind of knew this special child…(wait)…would change the world forever.

SPECIAL MUSIC

“Baby Jesus” - Annie Gregg

HYMN #71VU “The Huron Carol”

CHRISTMAS PRAYERS

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus; that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds,

and the ponderings of Joseph and Mary. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be your people,

On this day especially, we think about family, friends, neighbors. Thank you for these loved ones. We also think of those who know strained relationships. Please heal the wounds, division and conflicts that stand between people and help us to remember how dearly you love them.

We remember Jesus humble birth – shared to us as a birth in a stable. We pray for those who have no place to live. We remember your challenging message of caring and giving and we pray for peace in families and nations throughout the world. We bless you and give you thanks in your Spirit who brings our hearts to life the Christmas Day and forever. And hear us God as we join together in a paraphrase of Jesus’ family prayer:

Our Father-Mother;
Who is in the heavens
May your name be made holy;
May your dominion come;
May your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread we need;
and forgive us our debts
as we have forgiven our debtors.
And do not put us to the test,
but rescue us from evil.
For yours is the dominion
and the power and the glory forever.
Amen
 (United Church of Christ - USA)
HYMN #43VU “Go Tell It On the Mountain”

 

OFFERING

As we go out to live this story of love born among us, may we offer gifts of our own for the work of the church in the world, to reach out in love to the poor. Our offering can be received as a retiring offering today; the plates are available at the back. We pray God’s blessing on those gifts of money and the people who will use it to offer gifts of life, healing, and love to those in need.

SENDING OUT

As you go, make a joyful noise to God with all the earth, Sing joyous songs of praise, Let the trumpets ring, the seas roar and the mountains sing For God has come among us, and love is born within us Hallelujah!