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Why the Nativity?Advent Worship Series – Week 1Why did Jesus become a man?December 2, 2012WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINESEach worship outline contains all elements needed for your worship service. The order of each service presented is only a suggestion. No doubt changes will be needed to accommodate the flow and worship style of your corps. The outlines are flexible and allow opportunities to “cut and paste” as needed. If you are blessed with instrumental or vocal music resources, you may find there is more structured material here than needed. Please include the headings of each section in your bulletin.Announcements and Offering Drama – A Christmas TraditionCall to Worship: Christmas. As hectic as it has become, we enjoy the inevitability of the season that punctuates each passing year. It brings back those old favorite songs for another encore. We visit extended families and enjoy parties with our friends. As our world keeps roaring into an uncertain future, Christmas is a kind of security blanket that connects us to the past. Why the Nativity? This Advent season, we’ll set forth on a quest for answers to that question. It will require doing just what the shepherds did, just what the wise men did, and even what Joseph and Mary did. We need to travel to Bethlehem. Though many years have gone by, and that stable is long gone, we need to concentrate our gaze through the mist of time and look upon that Child whom the shepherds adored. We need to answer all the questions that come to mind about this historic event, which is so dear to the hearts of so many people.Then, having considered questions about the event itself, we will be left with a final one: Why should we care? What does Jesus mean to us? Does the beauty and truth of the Nativity need to be displayed in our own lives, as it is displayed on that courthouse lawn? Or is it just another historic event, just another ancient superstition, a leftover fairy tale from childhood? Let’s set our course, then, for two millennia ago—the dividing point of history. The scene is a little town on the quiet landscape of Judea. There are rumors of a miracle happening in the night. Are you ready to investigate? (Why the Nativity?, pages xi-xiv)HC#140 – O Come, All Ye FaithfulSB#116 – O come, all ye faithfulHC-140TB-496 – Adeste FidelesHCD12-T20HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)Additional Optional SongsHC#270 – Hark! the herald angels sing SB#108 – Hark! the herald angels sing HC-270TB-270 – Hark! The Herald Angels SingHCD25-T20HTD4-T5 (3 vs.)SB#122 – See, amid the winter’s snowTB-259 – sameHTD10-T12 (4 vs.)SB#113 – Joy to the world! TB-87 – Joy to the World!HTD4-T9 (3 vs.)Lighting of Advent CandleReader #1And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.Reader #2:But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Reader #1:Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Reader #2:“Glory to God in the highest heaven,?and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Reader #1:When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:8-15, NIV)[Light Advent Wreath candle 1]SB#118 – O little town of BethlehemTB-136 – same HTD3-T5 (3 vs.)BethlehemHeaven came down to earthResponsive Scripture: Leader:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.All:In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Leader:Heaven could not be poured into the stained vessel that was the earth. But there was another way: God himself could make the journey. All:The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. Leader:God could pour his Godhood into flesh and blood and visit the earth as a man himself! He could walk among people as a full-fledged human being in every respect, yet be fully God at the same time. He had sent prophets many times, but now he would do something far more shocking. He would leave the throne of heaven to walk among them—a King in disguise, the Lord of the universe in human scale, the Creator among his creatures.All:The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Leader:Then the nature of God would be clear to all. People on earth could see what God was like. They would behold his perfect love and faithfulness, his unbounded devotion even to those who were sick or small or dark hearted. They would know the things that mattered to him. And in that Incarnation, they would see a perfect model of what life could really and truly be. All of this must happen if God and humanity were ever to be reconciled. So the Lord of the universe invaded this world.All:He entered our world through a doorway called Bethlehem, and the world was changed forever. (John 1:1-5, 9-14, NIV; Why the Nativity?, pages 10-11)SB#121 – Once in royal David’s cityTB-390 – IrbyHTD6-T11 (4 vs.)Additional Optional SongsHC#123 – Shine on UsHC-123HCD11-T13HC#169 – HallelujahHC-169HCD15-T19HC#219 – King of Kings, MajestySB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC-219TB-732 – same HCD20-T19HC#220 – IncarnateHC-220HCD20-T20HC#226 – I Worship YouHC-226HCD21-T16Pastoral PrayerLord Jesus, we come with praise and thanksgiving for the marvel and miracle of your birth we celebrate this season. Come once again to us this hour that we may rejoice because you have been born in our hearts. We pray that in all our labors, in all our relationships, in all of our life, you will live and love through us, in all our seasons of life, as our Savior and Lord. In your name, we pray. Amen. (Colonel Henry Gariepy)Message – Why Did Jesus Become a Man?SB#25 – God’s love to me is wonderful TB-130 – It came upon the midnight clearHTD9-T7 (3 vs. – no chorus)Additional Optional SongsSB#153 – Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown TB-94 – MargaretHTD10 –T6 (4 vs.)HC#120 – In the MangerHC-120HCD10-T20HC#139 – There is a MessageHC-139HCD12-T19HC#219 – King of Kings, MajestySB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC-219TB-732 – same HCD20-T19HC#220 – IncarnateHC-220HCD20-T20HC#226 – I Worship YouHC-226HCD21-T16Benediction: HC#149 – In Christ AloneSB#861 – In Christ aloneHC-149TB-132HCD13-T19Vocal Benediction OptionsSB#73 – All hail the power HC#141 – All Hail the PowerTB-69 – DiademHC-141HTD6-T7 (4 vs.)HCD13 –T11HC#61 – Crown Him King of KingsHC-61HCD5-T11HC#180 – It was on a starry night SB#112 – It was on a starry nightHC-280TB-535 – sameHCD16-T20HC#260 – Go, tell it on the mountain SB#106 – Go, tell it on the mountain,HC-260TB-631 – sameHCD24-T20HTD11-T4 (2 vs., start with chorus)Week #1DRAMAA Christmas TraditionBy Martyn Scott Thomas? Copyright 2012 by Martyn Scott Thomas. All rights reserved. Used by ic:Christmas, NativityScripture:Luke 2:1-20Synopsis:Two men try to determine how best to display the Nativity.Characters:Mr. Hanson – an attorney for the cityMr. Thornton – chairman of the Christmas commissionProps/Costumes:A table and two chairs. Business attire.Setting:Mr. Hanson’s office.Running time:4 minutes[Hanson and Thornton are seated at the table.]Hanson:Let me start by saying that the city wants to do everything it can to ensure that we uphold the strong holiday traditions of the entire community.Thornton:So can we or can’t we put up the Nativity scene in front of City Hall?Hanson:Mr. Thornton, the Mayor has instructed me to make every provision necessary to see that we are able to do just that.Thornton:Thank you, Mr. Hanson. It’s nice to know that some traditions can rise above politics.Hanson:[hesitating] Yes, well, there will have to be a few concessions.Thornton:Concessions? But I thought you just said . . .Hanson:Yes, we have to be mindful of the [slight emphasis] entire community.Thornton:Are you talking about the same community that has supported this display for the last 80 years?Hanson:Yes, but these are changing times, Mr. Thornton. There are legal entanglements to be considered.Thornton:Well consider this, the community that supports this display is made up of voters with long memories. Hanson:I can understand your apprehension, but please be assured that not much will change. I think the community will be quite happy with this year’s display.Thornton:What kind of changes are we talking about?Hanson:Well, first of all, the location.Thornton:But it’s always been in front of City Hall!Hanson:And it still will be, just a little further away from the entrance.Thornton:How much further away?Hanson:Across the street.Thornton:[raising his voice] Across the street? But there’s a pond across the street!Hanson:Yes, but there’s a grassy area between the pond and the sidewalk.Thornton:We’ll never fit the whole display there. That area is much too small.Hanson:Which is why we have to cut back a little.Thornton:What do you mean “cut back?”Hanson:Well, we won’t be able to have the camels this year.Thornton:What?Hanson:Or the Wise men.Thornton:You can’t do that!Hanson:Technically, the Wise men weren’t even at the manger. They arrived at a house, possibly two years later.Thornton:But, they are considered part of the traditional Nativity.Hanson:I just don’t see how we can fit them into our new space.Thornton:[resigning] I guess we can do without them. I just don’t know how I’m going to break the news to Gus Johnson. His father carved those figures himself. At least he’ll still get to see the shepherds.Hanson:[sheepishly] Um . . .Thornton:What’s wrong with the shepherds?Hanson:They attract the homeless – something about them being kindred spirits . . .Thornton:Do we at least get to keep the sheep?Hanson:I’m sorry, it seems that the sheep are so real looking that animal control officers were called eleven times last year. And every false alarm costs the taxpayers more money. I’m sure you understand. Oh, and no angels – too spiritual.Thornton:Amazing! So what are we left with? Mary, Joseph and the baby?Hanson:Actually, members of the city council are uncomfortable displaying an unmarried couple and teenage pregnancy. They believe it sends the wrong message to the young girls in our community.Thornton:You have to be kidding me. So all we can display is the baby in the manger?Hanson:[wincing a bit] Actually . . .Thornton:What now? There’s nothing left to take.Hanson:It’s the baby.Thornton:Baby Jesus? But it’s Christmas!Hanson:I realize that, but we do have to maintain a certain separation. I’m sorry, but this is the only way around it.Thornton:So all we’re left with is an empty manger.Hanson:No, you can put some hay in it. I think that always makes it look so festive, don’t you?Thornton:[looks at him with a blank stare]Hanson:Yes, well I can see that you’ll need some time to consider all of this. But we still have plenty of time to get this resolved.Thornton:I thought the display was supposed to go up this weekend.Hanson:Oh yeah, about that. We’ve changed the set up date to December 21.Thornton:But that’s only four days before Christmas!Hanson:And we’ll need it removed by the 27th.Thornton:What? That’s only one week.Hanson:And that leaves us only four days to get ready for our New Years’ Eve celebration. As you can see, it’s going to be a pretty tight schedule.Thornton:But . . .Hanson:If there’s nothing else, I’ll let the Mayor know that everybody’s on board.Thornton:But . . .Hanson:Good day, Mr. Thornton.Thornton:[stands and exits]Hanson:Oh, and Mr. Thornton . . .Thornton:[stops and turns around]Hanson:Merry Christmas![Blackout]Why the Nativity?Advent Sermon – Week 1December 2, 2012Why did Jesus become a man?By Major Stephen YoderScriptureJohn 1:1-14TextJohn 1:14 – The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.FocusGod loves me.FunctionI want the listener to let God love them.Today begins the season of the Christian calendar called Advent. Throughout this season we’ll be looking at questions about the nativity and what God has to say about it. We go through this every December, but I want this year’s focus to be especially different. I don’t want this to be anything less than personal today. I don’t want today to be an answer about God coming “for the world” or “for the whosoever” or for groups of people or for anyone other than you. I want today to be about the fact that God wants to be personal; God wants to be with you. To live with you. To love you. To enjoy life with you. To share life’s burdens with you. To experience with you the ups and downs, goods and bads, and rights and wrongs of life with you. And God went to great lengths to demonstrate that fact.Throughout the season this year, I want us to keep things plain and simple. I want you to believe and sense and rejoice and be glad over the fact that every aspect of the story of Christ’s coming and living and serving has something to do with you. I want you to spend these weeks of Advent being overt about your gratitude to God for the grace and goodness and love he expresses to you. We’ll have next year to contemplate the giving of our lives in service, about holy living, about sacrifice and all those things. I want to gift you with what you have to understand first before you move on to what’s second: that God loves you. And that the gift of Jesus Christ that you’ll unwrap during these Advent weeks is yours. Quietly contemplate these words before we move on: We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19, NIV)I keep wondering why it is that some of you struggle so much to love as you should; I wonder the same of myself. Then the mystery is quickly and easily solved: We love best when we understand what it is to be loved—truly.There’s been great joy in this fellowship throughout the past year as we’ve watched as people discover that Jesus isn’t just Jesus “for the world,” but he’s Jesus for you! What was your favorite toy that you unwrapped at Christmas as a child? Do you remember the excitement and sheer joy? And do you remember thinking, “It’s all for me!” This is exactly what I pray Christmas will be for each of us. We look on in awe and wonder and excitement as you discover the greatest gift of all isn’t for everyone else: It’s for you! God’s love is for you! Jesus is for you! And we’re glad that his gift is for you! We want you to know what he has for you. It’s time for YOU to open your gift. And all eyes are on you. Waiting, hoping, watching, wondering… Will you like what it is—God’s special surprise for you?!Why did God become a man? Because he knew that if he didn’t, he’d be impossible for us to understand! He’s too much—too great, too big, too good! Our minds aren’t made big enough to “get” who he is, what he is, or how he operates; but our hearts are. God realized we needed something smaller, something more like what we know and understand. It’s that wonderful moment when you’ve opened the present and Dad gets down on the floor with you to show you how it works. I don’t care how you do it, just picture in your mind God sitting on the floor after the Christmas gifts are open, and spending time enjoying them with you. “He came right down to me; to condescend to be my friend.”I don’t understand the galaxies. I can’t wrap my mind around living in a quantum world of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles. I can’t explain to you the size and shape of a blue whale or the teeny-tiny krill they eat. And yet from vast to microscopic, we know God made it all. And God made you.This Advent season I want to rip some thinking out of anyone’s heart who harbors this thought: “God loves you, but…” or “God loves me, but…” Those are very dangerous thoughts that go against everything that God’s love is. And I know all the “buts” that Pharisees and religious teachers want to use against people, but they do not represent the heart of God. Maybe the message is simply this: He loves me in spite of me! Here are words from Shakespeare that help speak to the very subject: Sonnet 116SONNET 116PARAPHRASELet me not to the marriage of true mindsLet me not declare any reasons why twoAdmit impediments. Love is not loveTrue-minded people should not be married. Love is not loveWhich alters when it alteration finds,Which changes when it finds a change in circumstances,Or bends with the remover to remove:Or bends from its firm stand even when a lover is unfaithful:O no! it is an ever-fixed markOh no! it is a lighthouseThat looks on tempests and is never shaken;That sees storms but it never shaken;It is the star to every wandering bark,Love is the guiding north star to every lost ship,Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.Whose value cannot be calculated, although its altitude can be measured.Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeksLove is not at the mercy of Time, though physical beautyWithin his bending sickle’s compass come:Comes within the compass of his sickle.Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,Love does not alter with hours and weeks,But bears it out even to the edge of doom.But, rather, it endures until the last day of life.If this be error and upon me proved,If I am proved wrong about these thoughts on loveI never writ, nor no man ever loved.Then I recant all that I have written, and no man has ever [truly] loved.You’re not as bad as you think. You’re not as unlovable as you think. You’re not as worthless as you think. You’re not as hopeless as you think. You’re not as lost as you think. How can I be so sure? Because of Christmas; because of what God did for you and for me. A love that loves only when you obey is no love at all. A love that is love only when you get what you want is no love at all. A love that loves only when you are what others want you to be is no love at all. Love is love—that is love no matter what. That’s God’s love!Why did God become a man? Because “that” we can understand! If you want to know the love of Jesus Christ—God’s ultimate gift to you and me at Christmas and throughout every year that has ever been and ever will be—then stand right where you are and have someone give you a tight hug or a handshake or share a prayer together. Or, if you want to come right up here and bask in his love a while, you know I’ll be glad to give you a hug and let you know that God loves you. That’s all. God loves you!Enjoy these words and this melody as we quietly contemplate what his loves means to you and to me and how we might like to respond to that love…here at the mercy seat, where you are, or somewhere in this room with someone you love. SASB #48 – God’s love to me is wonderful(Tune: #153 – It came upon the midnight clear) ................
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