And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (Luke 2:13-15, King James’ Version)
Christmas Eve Worship at Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church
5:00 p.m.
Join us on Christmas Eve at 5:00 PM for a heart-warming, family-friendly service of Lessons, Carols, and Communion. Woodlawn Chapel welcomes all to this traditional, yet informal worship celebrating the nativity of our Lord. We’ll gather with wide-eyed wonder at the miracle of Jesus’ birth, celebrating the hope of our God who is with us. We conclude worship by lighting candles and singing “Silent Night.” Our songs and communion remind us of the shepherd’s desire to “go even unto Bethlehem to see this things which isi come to pass.”
Last week, the sounds of shepherds and angels filled our sanctuary. There were a few sheep, and even a pint-sized cow, along with a confused Joseph and beaming Mary. Our Play and Learn students, ages 1-4, put together an impromptu recreation of the nativity. The sight of magi whose crowns slipped below their ears and Joseph scratchy at his itchy fake beard reminded me of the lyrics of the “Christmas Song.” Tiny little tots, with their eyes all aglow.
This is the candle of hope we light this Christmas. We light it against a backdrop of a world that often remains indifferent to families like Mary and Joseph. The candle of hope shines into a world where the poor are pushed aside, while greed attempts to reign. We light this candle, and invite children to hear this story, because it is the sound of good news.
Our children hear all sorts of stories at Christmas, but on Christmas Eve, they have the chance to hear the story of love crashing into a sometimes indifferent and often painful world. They discover the possibility of God made flesh, wrapped in bands of cloth, and held close to his mother. They learn that they, too, are part of this story, for they are the beloved children of God. O come, let us adore him! O come, let us share in the promises of this holy night.
It is, indeed, good tidings of a great joy for all the people.
