Christmas Pageant 2023
As though set up for a
fancy Christmas greeting card
the sun shines through the
blue chancel windows like stars
brilliantly bursting
on the night Jesus was born.
You can nearly hear
the angel’s voices joining
ours as Mary, Joseph,
and baby Jesus
(baby Precious to us) lead the
nativity processional.
A sole shepherd soon
comes along, then a Christmas
shooting star brightens
the way for the haloed
angels, and three wise magi.
Captivated, as
we welcome Jesus, many
are awakened to
the joyful reality
that we have become
more welcoming of humans
from across the globe.
Pew by pew smiles erupt
as the spirit of love flows
like a wave amongst us.
“Rudolph” and “Carol
of the Bells” on piano
fine readers, carols in
harmony, opening hearts
joining the choir to
“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
_______________________________________
Jesus’ Birth Luke 2:1-14 (CEB)
2 In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.
Announcement to shepherds
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
_______________________________________
Christmas Blessings
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be part of a church family that holds all children as their own. When one child plays the piano or proudly carries the gifts down the aisle to baby Jesus, we are proud along with the parents. When one of us is hurting, we are all concerned, praying and doing what we can for them.
This year when celebrating Christmas, we remember once again that the gift of life is a miracle. From the time the Son of God was born, each day was a gift in which humanity learned the true character of God.
As we observe the birth of Jesus, remember that your life is also a joyous gift and one to be celebrated. In our humanity, our lives intersect with the life of Jesus. What joy we feel when new life is experienced in the fragile newborn, skin so soft and cry so tender that tears fill our eyes at the wonder of this child.
May you be filled with the blessings of Christ’s hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas!
Rev. Marta Wheeler