Family Carol Service
at
St. Augustine's

2007 December 9

Key  :

directions
instructions for congregation
movements during service
prayers and readings
sections of the service

Other information  :

There are some notes on our production of the service.

A rough plan of the church is available.

A note on copyright.

THE SERVICE

GOD is so good to us

Reader We welcome you here in the name of Jesus Whose birthday we celebrate this month.
Narrator No collection will be taken during this service. There is a donation box at the back of the church for anyone who would like to give a donation.

If anyone would like the music for our hymns today, please put your hand up and we will bring it to you.

Toilets are between the church and the hall.

Please don't feel embarrassed if the children are a bit noisy - we welcome everyone here.

Reader Our theme for today is

Mary remembers the first Christmas.

Our sentence for today is from Luke Chapter 2 verse 19 :

"Mary remembered all these things and pondered them deeply."

Narrator Please stand to sing the Carol

"O come, all ye faithful".

( In the last chorus young Mary sits on the chair in her house holding a duster. )

1.   O come, all ye faithful,
  Joyful and triumphant,
  O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
  Come and behold Him,
  Born the King of Angels :

Chorus :
  O come, let us adore Him !
  O come, let us adore Him !
  O come, let us adore Him !,
  Christ the Lord.

2.   God of God,
  Light of light;
  Lo ! He abhors not the virgin's womb.
  Very God,
  Begotten not created :

Chorus

3.   Sing, choirs of Angels
  Sing in exultation
  Sing all ye citizens of heaven above
  Glory to God
  In the highest;

Chorus

Narrator Please sit.

In the service today we will be exploring the Christmas Story from an older Mary's point of view. As Mary looks back on the events of the first Christmas, we will be imagining how she may have felt and thought.

This is pure speculation. However, the acted sections are all taken from the Bible.

Older Mary moves to gap in altar rail.
Older Mary One day when I was about sixteen I was busy in our house, thinking about my engagement to Joseph and how we would soon be married and an amazing thing happened -
Older Mary points to the house as young Mary stands up and starts dusting; Older Mary returns to Hospital side.

Angel Gabriel comes running from beside organ to in front of the altar; Young Mary sees him, looks surprised and moves forward a little.

Angel Gabriel Greetings, you who are highly favoured ! The Lord is with you !
Reader Mary was deeply troubled by the angels message, and she wondered what his words meant.
Angel Gabriel Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.
You will have a baby. It will be a boy, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give Him the throne of his father David, and His kingdom will have no end.
Young Mary How can this happen since I am a virgin ?
Angel Gabriel The Holy Spirit will come upon you. So the child will be called the Son of God.
Even Elizabeth your relative who was thought to be barren, is going to have a child in her old age and is already six months pregnant.
For nothing is impossible with God.
Young Mary I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.
Young Mary and Angel Gabriel hide behind Christmas tree;

House drapes are changed to Elizabeth's house;

Older Mary moves to centre.

Whilst older Mary is talking Elizabeth comes down Hospital aisle and sits in her house.

Older Mary I was so excited God had chosen ME ! Me - to be the mother of His Son. I couldn't believe it.
Then all those second thoughts came pouring in. What would my parents say ? Joseph, what would he think ? The villagers, they'd never believe me. Oh, those first few days were so hard. What should I do ?

I remembered that the Angel had said that my cousin Elizabeth was expecting a baby. That was truly amazing news. She was so old.

And I just knew I had to visit her, so off I went to the hill country of Judea.

Older Mary returns to Hospital aisle; young Mary comes from behind tree, and comes to the centre moving on congregation side of altar rail;

Elizabeth comes out from her house and meets young Mary in front of the altar; they hug each other.

Elizabeth Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Child you will bear.
But why am I so favoured that the mother of my Lord should come to me ?
As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb leapt with joy !
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
Young Mary It will be hard, but I feel so much encouraged to be with you and know what the Lord has said is true.
Reader Mary stayed with Elizabeth three months and then returned home.
Mary and Elizabeth sit in Elizabeth's house.

Older Mary comes to centre.

Older Mary That visit to Elizabeth encouraged me so much. God had done such special things in both our lives. I knew Elizabeth believed me and that gave me the courage to go home and tell Joseph and my family about my pregnancy.
Elizabeth and Young Mary go to back down Hospital aisle;

House drapes are changed to Joseph's house as Older Mary continues.

Older Mary It was hard telling Joseph and he was so upset. I was so worried that he wouldn't marry me. It was a terrible few days whilst Joseph decided what to do. I couldn't settle to anything; I tried to trust God, but it was really hard.
Older Mary returns to Hospital side as Joseph comes worriedly up centre aisle, paces up and down in front of altar, then sits on a chair in his house.
Joseph ( talking to himself ) I am engaged to Mary but she has come back from visiting her relative Elizabeth in the country and tells me she is pregnant. That is against the law. I do not want to expose her to public disgrace for she might be stoned, so I think I will divorce her quietly.
Reader As Joseph is considering this he falls asleep.
Joseph falls asleep in his chair.
Angel Gabriel comes out from behind the Christmas tree and stands in front of Joseph.
Angel Gabriel ( to sleeping Joseph ) Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
You are to call the baby "Jesus" because He will save the people from their sins.
Angel Gabriel goes to back down centre aisle.
Reader When Joseph woke up ( Joseph wakes up, rubs his eyes and stretches then goes to back down centre aisle ), he did as the angel told him and married Mary and took her to his home.
Older Mary comes to centre.
Older Mary Oh, the relief when Joseph said he would marry me ! It was wonderful ! Straight away we were quietly married and together we faced the gossip of the villagers.
Joseph was such a comfort to me. And we realised we had learnt a little bit more about the guidance of God and how to trust in Him more.
Narrator God is so good. He invites us to be His servants.
ALL Thank You, God, for the servant roles You give to us.
Help us to do them in Your strength. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. He sends people to encourage us at difficult times.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for all encouragers.
Help us to be encouragers too. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. He gives us guidance when we seek it.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for Your wonderful guidance.
Help us to listen and to follow Your guidance all our days. Amen
Narrator Please stand to sing :

"My soul does magnify the Lord".

During this hymn :
  • Stage hand moves manger and two chairs in front of altar, with baby doll hidden under the straw, and places stable drape on altar.
  • Young Mary and Joseph ready at back for their journey to Jerusalem.
  • Innkeeper and Innkeeper's wife ready beside organ.

My soul does magnify the Lord
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour
For He that is mighty has done great things
And holy is name
My soul does magnify the Lord
My soul does magnify the Lord
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour
For He that is mighty has done great things
And holy is His name.
Narrator Please sit.
Older Mary moves to centre.
Older Mary Then we heard about the census. The baby was due; what should we do ? It would be so much easier to travel after his birth, so we waited as long as we could. All the others who had to go to Bethlehem had already left. Finally we had to leave. It was so hard travelling the 120 kilometres to Bethlehem. Joseph was such a great support.
Older Mary moves to Hospital side.

Young Mary and Joseph come up centre aisle;
half way down they stop.

Young Mary How much farther is it to Bethlehem ? I'm so tired.
Joseph Yes, it is so hard that we have to make the journey to Bethlehem for the census just now, with the baby due any minute. But we're nearly there.
They move on a few steps;
Joseph points to the front.
Joseph Look - I can see the roof of the inn ! We'll soon be there.
Mary and Joseph reach the altar rail and Joseph knocks on the rail;
The innkeeper comes hurrying out.
Innkeeper No room, no room ! All Bethlehem is full to bursting; we have no room !
Joseph But we're desperate; can't you squeeze us in somewhere ?
Young Mary Please, I'm so tired !
Innkeeper I'm sorry, there are sleeping mats everywhere - honestly, we have no room.
Young Mary Please find us somewhere.
Innkeeper scratches his head thoughtfully.
Innkeeper Well, the only place I can think of is the stable. Will that do ?
Joseph What a great idea !
Innkeeper leads Mary and Joseph into the stable ( in front of the altar ) and settles them down.

Innkeeper returns to organ side - his wife comes to meet him.

Innkeeper's wife What was all that about ?
Innkeeper Well, there was this husband and very pregnant wife looking for a room. They looked so tired but I had to say "No room". But then a most amazing thing happened. I suddenly thought about the stable.
And I realised that the stable would be ideal for them. Peace, quiet, solitude and plenty of straw. So I've settled them in there. The animals will keep them warm, and if the baby is born they will be comfortable there.
Innkeeper's wife What a great idea ! They'll be safe there. How did you manage to think of that ?
Innkeeper and Innkeeper's wife go to side of organ;
Older Mary moves to centre.
Older Mary Oh, the peace of that stable ! No prying eyes, no biting wind, the comfort of the straw, the warmth of the animals, the helpfulness of the innkeeper - it was wonderful !
Older Mary returns to Hospital side.
Reader Later that night Mary gave birth to her Son and laid Him in the manger.
Young Mary picks up the doll from under the straw and settles him in the manger;
Young Mary and Joseph fall asleep.

Innkeeper and Innkeeper's wife creep out and peep into the stable.

Innkeeper's wife Look - there's a baby in the manger !
Innkeeper I'm so glad I thought of giving them the stable to rest in.
Innkeeper's wife The baby's wrapped in cloth and lying in the manger.
Innkeeper Don't they look peaceful ! We mustn't wake them.
Innkeeper's wife I'll pop in and see them later on. I'm sure there's something I can do to help.
Innkeeper and Innkeeper's wife go to back down organ side;

Older Mary comes to centre.

Older Mary The joy, God's Son has been born ! The exhaustion, the euphoria, the responsibility ! It was both awesome and scary. We would have to learn to rely on God for everything now.
Older Mary returns to Hospital side.
Narrator God is so good. He supports us when the going is hard.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for Your support through difficult times.
Thank You for the people who support us.
Help us to support those in need. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for the people who help us.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for helpful people.
Teach us to be helpful people, too. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for the birth of Your Son.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful gift of Your Son.
May we learn to appreciate more and more all He has done for us. Amen.
Narrator Please stand to sing the carol :

"Away in a manger".

During this hymn stage hand puts camp fire on front step on organ side.

During last verse Shepherds come and sit round the fire.

Angels ( including Angel Gabriel ) ready at back.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.
I love Thee Lord Jesus ! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus : I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

Narrator Please sit.
Reader ( pointing to the shepherds ) Look, there are the shepherds gathered round their camp fire, keeping watch over their sheep.

( pointing to the angel Gabriel )  And then the angel of the Lord appears.

Angel Gabriel comes down centre aisle and stands in front of altar looking at the shepherds.
Reader The glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.
Shepherds look terrified.
Angel Gabriel to the shepherds Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. A Saviour has been born today in Bethlehem. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find the Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Angels come "flying" up the centre aisle and stand around the shepherds as the reader says -
Reader Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying :
Angel Gabriel and angels Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests.
Angel Gabriel and angels "fly" in front of altar and stand on the Hospital side in front of the house.
1st Shepherd Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.
2nd Shepherd What do you think it means ?
3rd Shepherd I don't know. Let's go and find out.
4th Shepherd Well, we can't all go. Someone will have to stay to look after the sheep.
5th Shepherd You can do that. I want to see what's happened.
6th Shepherd We won't be long - it's not far away.
All shepherds, except 4th Shepherd, hurry off to the stable - go to the congregation side of altar rail at the organ side, then round and in at the centre and kneel by the manger.
Reader So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger.
They told Mary and Joseph everything that had happened that night then they went and spread the good news around the town.
Shepherds come down centre aisle speaking to people in the congregation :
1st Shepherd to someone We've seen Jesus !
2nd Shepherd to someone else He's in that stable !
3rd Shepherd to someone else The angels told us about Him !
5th Shepherd to someone else And all the angels said was true !
6th Shepherd to someone else We're sure He is the Messiah, God's Son !
Reader The shepherds returned to their sheep glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard.
Shepherds go to back then down organ side and mime telling 4th Shepherd about it.

Older Mary moves to centre.

Older Mary What a time that was ! I'll never forget the way the shepherds came looking for Jesus. They were so enthralled by the angels' visit. And then to find us there, just as the angels had said ! They got more and more excited as they told us all that had happened and as they looked at Jesus. They just couldn't keep quiet - they went rushing through the village telling their families and friends all about the angels' visit and about Jesus.
Older Mary returns to Hospital side.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Lord, for the wonder of Your Glory displayed to the shepherds.
ALL May we too see Your Glory, in the wonder of Jesus's life. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for all who seek You.
ALL Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving welcome.
May we encourage others to seek You too. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for all those who tell people about Jesus.
ALL Help us to spread the Good News of Jesus wherever we go. Amen.
Narrator Please stand to sing the carol :

"Angels from the realms of Glory".

During this hymn :
  • House drapes are changed to house in Bethlehem;
  • Stage hand removes camp fire;
  • Angel Gabriel and the angels "fly" down centre aisle to back, shepherds follow down centre aisle to back;
  • Angels' wings are removed.
  • Temple crowd actors pick up temple shawls;
  • Simeon and Anna ready at Hospital side.

1.   Angels, from the realms of glory,
  Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
  You who sang creation's story,
  Now proclaim Messiah's birth :

Chorus :

  Come and worship Christ the new-born King;
  Come and worship, worship Christ the new-born King.

2.   Shepherds, in the field abiding,
  Watching o'er your flocks by night,
  God with man is now residing,
  Yonder shines the infant Light :

Chorus

3.   Saints before the altar bending,
  Watching long in hope and fear,
  Suddenly the Lord, descending,
  In His temple shall appear :

Chorus

4.   Though an infant now we view Him,
  He shall fill His Father's throne,
  Gather all the nations to Him;
  Every knee shall then bow down :

Chorus

Narrator Please sit.
Older Mary moves to centre.
Older Mary The next day the shepherds' friends and families came to see Jesus. They were so excited - Jesus the Messiah ! Born in a stable ! They couldn't believe it.

Then one of them offered us a room in his house, and someone else helped Joseph find work.

Young Mary, Joseph and baby leave manger and move into Bethlehem house at Hospital side; Young Mary holds the baby.
Stage hand moves stable and chairs, changes altar drape to temple drape.
Older Mary They were all so interested in us, it was great. The people were so kind and showed me how to look after Jesus.

A week after Jesus's birth came the time for His circumcision, and we named Him Jesus just as the angel had told us to do.

Soon it was the time to take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for the ceremony of purification.

Older Mary returns to Hospital side;
The temple crowd and chief priests and teachers move to the front and stand around in front of the altar.
Reader Thirty three days later, when the time of their purification had ended, Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem, to present Him at the Temple as the first born male and to present a pair of doves as required by the Law of the Lord.
Mary carrying Jesus, and Joseph carrying two doves, go up centre aisle to front. They stop in front of the steps, where they are met by Simeon.
Reader As they come into the temple court they are met by Simeon, an old man righteous and devout, who has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will not die before he sees the Lord's Christ.
Simeon takes the baby Jesus from Mary and holds Him up for all the congregation to see.
Simeon Lord, now let your servant depart in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation which You prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal You to the nations and the glory of the people Israel.

( Simeon turns to Mary )
This child is chosen for the destruction and the salvation of many people in Israel.
He will be a sign from God that many people will speak against, and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow like a sharp sword will pierce your hearts.

Simeon hands Jesus back to Mary and stands to organ side.

Anna comes to Mary and Joseph.

Reader Anna had been a widow for about fifty years. She never left the temple but spent her life, praying and fasting and worshipping God.
Anna Thanks be to God for the birth of this Child ! We have been waiting for Him to free Jerusalem.
Mary, carrying Jesus, with Joseph, Anna and Simeon go up to altar. Joseph places the two doves on the altar and they stand and face the congregation.

Older Mary moves to centre.

Older Mary We had originally planned to go on from Jerusalem to Nazareth, but we decided to return to Bethlehem for a while longer.
Joseph had work there and the people were so kind so we went back to our room in Bethlehem.
Older Mary returns to Hospital side.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for the kindness of other people.
ALL Help us to be kind to those in need. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for Your wonderful name.
ALL Thank you, for all that Your name means to us. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for Your purity and goodness.
ALL Help us to follow Your example of purity and goodness. Amen.
Narrator Please stand to sing :

"Lord, let now Your servant".

During this hymn :
  • Stage hand places Herod's throne in front of altar and its covering ( organ side ), and changes altar temple drape to palace drape;
  • Mary with Jesus, Joseph followed by Anna and Simeon and the temple crowd return to the back down centre aisle;
  • Chief Priests and teachers move to Hospital side in front of tree;
  • Mary and Joseph then return up Hospital aisle to Bethlehem home.

Lord, now let Your servant
go his way in peace;
Your great love has brought me
joy that will not cease.

For my eyes have seen Him
promised from of old -
Saviour of all people,
Shepherd of one fold :

Light of revelation
to the gentiles shown,
Light of Israel's glory
to the world made known.

Narrator Please sit.
Reader At this time Herod was king.
Herod comes down centre aisle and sits on his throne.
Reader Some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem.
Wise Men come down centre aisle and bow low to Herod.
Herod Welcome to my court. What brings you here ?
1st Wise Man Where is He that is born King of the Jews ?
2nd Wise Man We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.
3rd Wise Man Can you tell us where He is ?
Herod I'll ask my advisers.
Herod beckons the chief priests and teachers over;
Wise Men step back towards house;
Chief priests and teachers come in front of Herod and bow to him.
Herod Where will the Messiah be born ?
Chief priest In the town of Bethlehem, Sir. As the prophet wrote :
Chief priest and teachers Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means least of the leading cities in Judah, for from you will come a leader who will guide My people Israel.
Herod waves them away;
Chief priests and teachers go to back down centre aisle.
Herod beckons the Wise Men back.
Herod My advisers tell me that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. Go and make a careful search for Him and when you find Him let me know, so that I may go and worship Him too.
Wise Men go to back down Hospital aisle and then return up centre aisle carrying the gifts to Bethlehem home where Jesus is.

Herod goes to back down organ aisle.

Stage hands move Herod's throne to side and take down altar drape.

Reader And so they left, and on their way they saw the same star that they had seen in the East. When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs !
Reader waits until Wise Men are ready to come down centre aisle.

Reader begins as Wise Men come down centre aisle, go up to Jesus, and kneel down and worship Him; then they stand up around the house ( not hiding Jesus from the congregation ).

Reader It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. They went into the house and knelt down and worshipped Him.
Joseph Welcome to our humble dwelling. We are greatly honoured.
Young Mary You seem to be such rich and important men; why would you come to visit us ?
Joseph Who are you, and where do you come from ?
1st Wise Man We are Wise Men from the East.
2nd Wise Man We saw the star in the East and have come to worship the Child Who is born King of the Jews.
3rd Wise Man We bring gifts for the Child.
1st Wise Man walks to Jesus carrying the gift of gold.
1st Wise Man I bring gold. Fit for a king.
He lays the gift down at Mary's feet and steps back.

2nd Wise Man walks to Jesus carrying the gift of frankincense.

2nd Wise Man I bring Frankincense, for He will not only be a king, but a priest to His people.
He lays the gift down at Mary's feet and steps back.

3rd Wise Man walks to Jesus carrying his gift of myrrh.

3rd Wise Man I bring myrrh. For He will die for His people.
He lays the gift down at Mary's feet and steps back.

The Wise Men bow low and turn and walk down the organ aisle.

Reader And having been warned in a dream, they return to their own country by a different way.
Older Mary comes to centre.
Older Mary It was amazing, the sight of the Wise Men with their camels, in our street in Bethlehem. Everyone came out to look.
The Wise Men came in and bowed down to Jesus, they were so reverent and humble.
And what precious gifts they brought !
Then they were so worried about Herod and his anger and jealousy, and they told us how God warned them in a dream to go home another way.
We began to wonder if it was safe to stay in Bethlehem, or not.
Older Mary returns to Hospital side.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for all those who enquire about You.
ALL Help us, Jesus, to be enquirers too, and help us to answer people's questions about You. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for the gifts You have given us.
ALL Help us to use our gifts wisely and generously. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Jesus, for those who obey Your guidance.
ALL Help us to be obedient, too. Amen.
Narrator Please stand to sing the carol :

"We three kings of Orient are".

Angel goes to back of balcony.

1.   We three Kings of Orient are;
  Bearing gifts we traverse afar
  Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
  Following yonder star :

Chorus :

  O - star of wonder, star of night
  Star with royal beauty bright,
  Westward leading, still proceeding,
  Guide us to thy perfect light.

2.   Glorious now, behold Him arise,
  King, and God, and sacrifice
  Heaven sings alleluia
  Alleluya the earth replies

Chorus

3.   O - star of wonder, star of night
  Star with royal beauty bright,
  Westward leading, still proceeding,
  Guide us to thy perfect light.

Chorus

Narrator Please sit.
Reader After the Wise Men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said :
Angel ( from balcony ) Herod will be looking for the child in order to kill Him. So get up, take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave.
Mary carrying Jesus and Joseph carrying the gifts get up.
Reader Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother and left during the night for Egypt.
Mary with Jesus and Joseph with the gifts hurry down the centre aisle to the back.

Once they have reached the back :

Reader They stayed in Egypt until Herod died. Then an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said :
Angel ( from balcony ) Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the Child are dead.
Reader So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother, and went back to Israel. But they didn't think Bethlehem was safe so they went all the way back to Nazareth.
Angel comes down from balcony and returns to seat.

Older Mary moves to centre.

Older Mary The gold was so useful as we fled that night to Egypt. Joseph was always able to get work, but as the months passed I began to long to be back home in Nazareth. Eventually an angel came and told us it was safe to return and we did.
We just loved being able to raise Jesus and the other children amongst our very own families.

Looking back on all the events of my life I marvel at the goodness of God.
He was always there helping, encouraging and guiding us. He gave us the strength to endure through hard times, and deep down I was always aware of His peace, love and care for us.
I'm so thankful that He chose me to be the mother of Jesus.

I wonder what, in His goodness, He has chosen for each one of you to do ?

May I encourage you just to DO IT with all your strength and might.

Amen

Older Mary returns to back down Hospital aisle.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for the way You help us to be good parents.
ALL Help us to be good parents and to support parents in any way we can. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You for our safe homes and families.
ALL Thank You, Lord, for our families and for our church family; help us to keep them safe. Amen.
Narrator God is so good. Thank You, Lord, for the job you have chosen for us to do.
ALL May we do it in Your strength and with Your endurance. Amen.
PAUSE
Narrator Together we sing -
ALL Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
in earth, as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil,
for the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and for ever.
Amen.
PAUSE
Narrator Please stand for our final Carol :

"Joy to the World".

1.   Joy to the world; the Lord is come !
  Let earth receive her King !
  Let every heart prepare Him room,
  And Heav'n and nature sing,
  And Heav'n and nature sing,
  And heav'n And heav'n and nature sing.

2.   Joy to the world; the Saviour reigns !
  Let men their songs employ;
  While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
  Repeat the sounding joy,
  Repeat the sounding joy,
  Repeat Repeat the sounding joy.

3.   He rules the world with truth and grace;
  And makes the nations prove
  The glories of His righteousness
  And wonders of His love,
  And wonders of His love,
  And wonders And wonders of His love.

Narrator Please remain standing for the Blessing.

BLESSING and prayer for Barbecue.

Those taking part :

Angel Gabriel, Angels ( several ), Anna, Chief priest, Elizabeth, Herod, Innkeeper, Innkeeper's wife, Joseph, Mary, Older, Mary, Younger, Narrator, Reader, Shepherds ( speaking parts allocated to six, because we had six ), Simeon, Teachers ( several ), Wise Men ( 3 ).

Numbers given are those identified in the script. These are often flexible; adjust them according to your resources.