Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant

Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                         

      One:  Listen up, everybody!  God gives the world the greatest gift!

      All:  The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle. 

      One:  Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.

    All:  Glory to God in the highest!

*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206

*OPENING PRAYER                                                    

God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior.  Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn” each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth.  When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go.  Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can.  Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER                                                           

Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas  –  love amazing, love divine.” You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light,                and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski

Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC

The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:

O Come, All Ye Faithful  (Verses 1 and 3) – #188

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing  (Verses 1 and 3) – #191

We Three Kings  (Verses 1 and 5) – #220

What Child Is This?  (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202

*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194

Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4

*BENEDICTION                                                                

     One:  God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.   

     All:  Christ the Savior is born.   

     One:  Everyone is welcome at the manger. 

     All:  Peace to all on earth.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques