The Very Disappointing Nativity
Service sheet (pdf)
Welcome.
Welcome to Baildon Methodist Church’s nativity service. Today’s worship team is Nicki, Amanda, Naomi and me – Rachel. We are delighted that the worship also involves a host of children from across the circuit Thank you to Laura and Adele for working with families from around the circuit so that as many children as possible could take part in this story about everybody’s favourite Christmas service – The Nativity!Prayer
And so, with everyone watching, listening, or reading. We open our worship with a prayer.Lord, we pray for each person watching, listening or reading this Nativity service, and each family that is represented.
We give thanks that you hold every single one of us in your hand.
We pray that you will join us together in your presence as we worship via YouTube, socially distanced in church, or at home with these notes.
Help us to take the blessing we receive out into our community and the wider world through our prayers, thoughts and actions so that our faith can spread the Christmas message of hope.
Amen.
Song
We will now join in worship with Like a Candle Flame
Or you might like to use (H&P 120 StF 221) While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Hmm, she thinks to herself It’s been a disappointing year, it’s likely to be a disappointing Christmas and organising Covid Christmas worship certainly has its challenges. I just hope that the children aren’t disappointed with their parts and costumes. Christmas is usually such a wonderful time for children. The true meaning of Christmas hope has never been more important. “Ah well” she says to herself, “Cant sit here gazing at the box of Ferrero Rocher, there’s these Nativity costumes to take out…..good job I kept these Amazon boxes….”
So Rachel climbs into the car thinking I’m glad Gareth left his Electric Nissan at home – I’ll use that – after all we are an Eco church. It is good timing as the children are still in school and so she delivers the recycled Amazon boxes to different homes (We are an Eco church after all)
School is over for the day and Hannah arrives home, kicks her shoes off in the hall where the next person will fall over them. She shouts “I’m home mum, what’s for tea?” the reply comes from the kitchen “don’t know yet – there’s something for you from Amazon!”
Hannah opens the box, inside is a brown paper parcel with a label ‘Please will you be Mary in the Nativity service?’
This must from Rachel! Thinks Hannah as she sees the label “Mary!” she shouts, how exciting. I’ve been an angel and a shepherd but Mary... this is the peak of my nativity career! The excitement is almost too much as Hannah opens parcel….but Oh, how disappointing. Where is the blue dress with silver trim and the long white headdress? The excitement fades as she slumps on the sofa This looks like one of Rachel’s old dresses and a tea towel. (Hannah sniffs and goes in search of a tissue. Oh dear.
Meanwhile, Tilly is home from school. She walks through the door leaving a trail of bag, coat, and shoes… then she sees an Amazon box - the label has her name on it! “Amazon” Shouts Tilly– “great! It might be that new pencil case I asked for. Let’s face it Amazon ALWAYS oversize their packaging.”. But wait, Tillys face changes from huge smile to huge frown “Oh no, what’s this, ‘Please will you be angel Gabriel in the Nativity service?’ the smile returns to Tilly’s face “Well that’s an upgrade from speaking angel part 3 AND I’ll get the best wings!” she beams as she opens the box, What’s this? she asks….. It looks like it’s made out of an old sheet and this tinsel looks like it has seen better days! In hope she turns box upside down, but it’s just the worst! “ What no wings. How disappointing!” Tilly flops into a chair, she reaches for a tissue
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
35 The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Now here is something for you to read and think about
Well what a mixture of emotions, such a confusing time. Was Mary disappointed? Maybe, her future had certainly changed beyond anything she could have imagined. But Mary overcame her shock and disappointment. She trusted in the Lord and accepted her calling saying, ‘I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.’ This Christmas we’ll have to change our traditions and expectations. When it is hard to do so, remember Mary’s acceptance, faith and service.
At the third shout from mum Rachel, Thomas reluctantly puts down the controller, looks round his room and sees - A box containing a dressing gown and a tea towel with Joseph marker penned on the side.
“Joseph”; he chunters to himself “ I’m too old to be in the nativity. For many years I made a career out of being a donkey, I even ate an odd carrot here and there. But no way am I being Joseph, my Mum will have to get used to the disappointment!
He casts a disparaging eye over the dressing gown and tea towel. – “And this... really?”
18-19 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
24-25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
There is a line from this Christmas hymn that stands out for me this year, at this time:- Yet in Thy dark street shineth the EVERLASTING light…. Spend a moment reflecting on what that might mean for you.
“This requires an emergency Zoom” says Katie in very determined mood –“ what was my Mum thinking?” She zooms Caitlin, the conversation goes like this -
– Hi Caitlin, I’m so disappointed, embarrassed, mortified! Please say my Mum didn’t give you a tea towel and one of her old dresses too.
Caitlin – I’m afraid so. Surely some of the younger children are ready to be upgraded from stable animals to shepherds.
Katie – Definitely! I’ll break the disappointing news to my Mum because there is no way that I’m wearing this! The Zoom call ends abruptly!
Rachel, walks quietly out of earshot from her daughter Katie. “Well my casting isn’t going well! Let’s hope that there are some shepherds and angels out there somewhere.
8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David’s town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
We now watch on as Tallulah. Who likes to dress in something pretty and sparkly, opens a brown paper parcel with a label ‘Please will you be a king in the Nativity service?’
She squeals with delight “Please will you be a king in the Nativity service? Ooo great sequins, gold trim and sparkly crown – perfect!” and then she opens the parcel…. Ooo not perfect, in fact, completely disappointing!
The disappointment gets worse – listen to a conversation between Abigail and Katie
Abigail – Mum wants me to be a king.
Katie – Thomas was a king in 2015 – I think I have a photo somewhere... ahh yes. It looks like a great costume with all that gold.
Abigail – Not for Covid Christmas – Mum’s given me this!
Katie – Now that is disappointing! (She is not impressed with the old ball gown!)
1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”
7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.”
9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
12 In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
Amanda
Herod is clearly disappointed about the prospect of a new king but ‘The Message’ bible tells us that others were terrified too. It’s likely that they feared the unknown. They were yet to find out that the baby would grow into a king who chose to ride unarmed on a donkey and sacrifice himself on a cross. No-one could foresee that 2020 would bring so many uncertainties into our lives. There are probably times when you have felt lonely, frightened, worried or sad. Times you have feared the unknown. But again the story brings hope - the kings were in the right place at the right time! Where is your faith leading you this Christmas – how will you be in the right place at the right time to give someone hope? A timely phone call, a trip to the food bank, a donation to charity – all these things could provide hope. Remember the determination of the magi this Christmas.
As part of their preparation for the Nativity service, the young people of the circuit have shared with each other some of their hopes for Christmas time. So, please use this space to write down some of your hopes for Christmas time and offer them to God in prayer
Our disappointing Nativity story comes to an end – but Nicki’s summary is POSITIVE
Nicki says
Well the cast never really got organised but somehow we seem to have managed to tell the Christmas story! The one prop we missed was a doll wrapped in cloth but in reality Christ is walking alongside us as the risen Lord. We know how the story ends and that is the true source of hope this Christmas.
When we experience difficulties or disappointments help us to remember the Christmas message of hope.
Guide us to reflect on the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the marginalised shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child.
Support us to share your message of hope through our words and deeds.
Be with us now and always,
Amen
From the organisers and the young people of the Bradford North Circuit we wish you
a Peaceful Christmas time
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
The love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with us now, and fir ever more
Amen
Adapted from the service notes by Peter Jackson
Or you might like to use (H&P 120 StF 221) While shepherds watched their flocks by night
The story begins
Our story begins as Rachel sits, thinking about the past year and how difficult many things have been, to say nothing about getting a Nativity service togetherHmm, she thinks to herself It’s been a disappointing year, it’s likely to be a disappointing Christmas and organising Covid Christmas worship certainly has its challenges. I just hope that the children aren’t disappointed with their parts and costumes. Christmas is usually such a wonderful time for children. The true meaning of Christmas hope has never been more important. “Ah well” she says to herself, “Cant sit here gazing at the box of Ferrero Rocher, there’s these Nativity costumes to take out…..good job I kept these Amazon boxes….”
So Rachel climbs into the car thinking I’m glad Gareth left his Electric Nissan at home – I’ll use that – after all we are an Eco church. It is good timing as the children are still in school and so she delivers the recycled Amazon boxes to different homes (We are an Eco church after all)
School is over for the day and Hannah arrives home, kicks her shoes off in the hall where the next person will fall over them. She shouts “I’m home mum, what’s for tea?” the reply comes from the kitchen “don’t know yet – there’s something for you from Amazon!”
Hannah opens the box, inside is a brown paper parcel with a label ‘Please will you be Mary in the Nativity service?’
This must from Rachel! Thinks Hannah as she sees the label “Mary!” she shouts, how exciting. I’ve been an angel and a shepherd but Mary... this is the peak of my nativity career! The excitement is almost too much as Hannah opens parcel….but Oh, how disappointing. Where is the blue dress with silver trim and the long white headdress? The excitement fades as she slumps on the sofa This looks like one of Rachel’s old dresses and a tea towel. (Hannah sniffs and goes in search of a tissue. Oh dear.
Meanwhile, Tilly is home from school. She walks through the door leaving a trail of bag, coat, and shoes… then she sees an Amazon box - the label has her name on it! “Amazon” Shouts Tilly– “great! It might be that new pencil case I asked for. Let’s face it Amazon ALWAYS oversize their packaging.”. But wait, Tillys face changes from huge smile to huge frown “Oh no, what’s this, ‘Please will you be angel Gabriel in the Nativity service?’ the smile returns to Tilly’s face “Well that’s an upgrade from speaking angel part 3 AND I’ll get the best wings!” she beams as she opens the box, What’s this? she asks….. It looks like it’s made out of an old sheet and this tinsel looks like it has seen better days! In hope she turns box upside down, but it’s just the worst! “ What no wings. How disappointing!” Tilly flops into a chair, she reaches for a tissue
Reading
We will leave our story there as now we would like you to read Mary’s story from Luke 1 26-38 - here it is
26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
35 The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Now here is something for you to read and think about
Well what a mixture of emotions, such a confusing time. Was Mary disappointed? Maybe, her future had certainly changed beyond anything she could have imagined. But Mary overcame her shock and disappointment. She trusted in the Lord and accepted her calling saying, ‘I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.’ This Christmas we’ll have to change our traditions and expectations. When it is hard to do so, remember Mary’s acceptance, faith and service.
Song
You can read the words or sing along to ‘Angels in the Realms of Glory’ (StF 190 H&P 92)The story continues
By now Rachel is back at home. “Right, what next – yes Joseph” she mutters to herself, then goes into the hall and shouts! “Thomas – off the Play Station and try that costume on!”At the third shout from mum Rachel, Thomas reluctantly puts down the controller, looks round his room and sees - A box containing a dressing gown and a tea towel with Joseph marker penned on the side.
“Joseph”; he chunters to himself “ I’m too old to be in the nativity. For many years I made a career out of being a donkey, I even ate an odd carrot here and there. But no way am I being Joseph, my Mum will have to get used to the disappointment!
He casts a disparaging eye over the dressing gown and tea towel. – “And this... really?”
Reading
We leave our story so that you can read Josephs story, from Matthew 1:18-25 and share Amanda’s comments about Joseph and his disappointment18-19 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
24-25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
Reflection
The reading from Matthew definitely displays Joseph’s disappointment but also his faith to trust in God. It was a difficult time for both Mary and Joseph. They quickly had to adjust to a change of direction and alter their plans. In 2020 many of us have had to change our plans and perhaps now more than ever we need to trust in God. This Christmas, when the lockdown rules restrict your plans, remember Joseph’s obedience.Song
You can now sing, hum or read ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. (StF 213 H&P 113)
There is a line from this Christmas hymn that stands out for me this year, at this time:- Yet in Thy dark street shineth the EVERLASTING light…. Spend a moment reflecting on what that might mean for you.
Our story continues….
It is now rehearsal time and Rachel is getting worried “I wonder how the shepherds are getting on. Katie – have you tried your costume on yet?” she tentatively asks. She sees Caitlin and Katie open a box with “shepherd” marker penned on it. Rachel listens from a distance; it isn’t going well.“This requires an emergency Zoom” says Katie in very determined mood –“ what was my Mum thinking?” She zooms Caitlin, the conversation goes like this -
– Hi Caitlin, I’m so disappointed, embarrassed, mortified! Please say my Mum didn’t give you a tea towel and one of her old dresses too.
Caitlin – I’m afraid so. Surely some of the younger children are ready to be upgraded from stable animals to shepherds.
Katie – Definitely! I’ll break the disappointing news to my Mum because there is no way that I’m wearing this! The Zoom call ends abruptly!
Rachel, walks quietly out of earshot from her daughter Katie. “Well my casting isn’t going well! Let’s hope that there are some shepherds and angels out there somewhere.
Reading:
We come back to Luke’s gospel and ask you to read the shepherds’ story from Luke 2 8-16. And share again with Amanda as she reflects on this passage. Whilst you do this picture in your mind a nativity scene with Chlldren from across the circuit dressed as shepherds and angels (Thank you to Laura and Adele for working with families from around the circuit so that as many children as possible could take part)8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David’s town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
Reflection
This shepherd’s story sounds far from disappointing! Imagine being chosen to meet the new born king – what an honour. But look a little deeper and the disappointment is there. Being a sheepherder was a difficult job - dirty, smelly, cold and wet. Underpaid and underappreciated these sheepherders had definitely experienced disappointment in their lives. But Jesus was born for the lost and in his adult life he reached out to the marginalised. The pandemic has highlighted the workers who are undervalued and underpaid, it has also marginalised people due to poverty, loneliness and health. This passage delivers hope, hope that is still available to us now if we chose to follow Christ. If you feel marginalised remember the eagerness of the sheepherders to spend time in the presence of Jesus – this is available to you this Christmas through prayer.Back to our story
Rachel, ever hopeful in this disappointing situation, thinks “My final chance – the kings! Surely my old ball dresses won’t disappoint.” (I told you she was ever hopeful!)We now watch on as Tallulah. Who likes to dress in something pretty and sparkly, opens a brown paper parcel with a label ‘Please will you be a king in the Nativity service?’
She squeals with delight “Please will you be a king in the Nativity service? Ooo great sequins, gold trim and sparkly crown – perfect!” and then she opens the parcel…. Ooo not perfect, in fact, completely disappointing!
The disappointment gets worse – listen to a conversation between Abigail and Katie
Abigail – Mum wants me to be a king.
Katie – Thomas was a king in 2015 – I think I have a photo somewhere... ahh yes. It looks like a great costume with all that gold.
Abigail – Not for Covid Christmas – Mum’s given me this!
Katie – Now that is disappointing! (She is not impressed with the old ball gown!)
Reading
We now ask you to read the kings’ story from Matthew 2:1-12 and again share in Amanda’s reflection.1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”
7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.”
9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
12 In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
Amanda
Herod is clearly disappointed about the prospect of a new king but ‘The Message’ bible tells us that others were terrified too. It’s likely that they feared the unknown. They were yet to find out that the baby would grow into a king who chose to ride unarmed on a donkey and sacrifice himself on a cross. No-one could foresee that 2020 would bring so many uncertainties into our lives. There are probably times when you have felt lonely, frightened, worried or sad. Times you have feared the unknown. But again the story brings hope - the kings were in the right place at the right time! Where is your faith leading you this Christmas – how will you be in the right place at the right time to give someone hope? A timely phone call, a trip to the food bank, a donation to charity – all these things could provide hope. Remember the determination of the magi this Christmas.
As part of their preparation for the Nativity service, the young people of the circuit have shared with each other some of their hopes for Christmas time. So, please use this space to write down some of your hopes for Christmas time and offer them to God in prayer
Our disappointing Nativity story comes to an end – but Nicki’s summary is POSITIVE
Nicki says
Well the cast never really got organised but somehow we seem to have managed to tell the Christmas story! The one prop we missed was a doll wrapped in cloth but in reality Christ is walking alongside us as the risen Lord. We know how the story ends and that is the true source of hope this Christmas.
A closing prayer
Dear Lord,When we experience difficulties or disappointments help us to remember the Christmas message of hope.
Guide us to reflect on the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the marginalised shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child.
Support us to share your message of hope through our words and deeds.
Be with us now and always,
Amen
Song
Please share with us by singing, humming or reading O Come All Ye Faithful (StF 212 H&P 110)From the organisers and the young people of the Bradford North Circuit we wish you
a Peaceful Christmas time
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
The love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with us now, and fir ever more
Amen
Adapted from the service notes by Peter Jackson
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