Kids Christmas Program December 24, :00 PM Sing a Song of Christmas!

Kids’ Christmas Program December 24, 2015 4:00 PM “Sing a Song of Christmas!” Have you ever wondered who wrote the Christmas carols we know and love ...
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Kids’ Christmas Program December 24, 2015 4:00 PM “Sing a Song of Christmas!”

Have you ever wondered who wrote the Christmas carols we know and love so much? This worship service highlights the history and meaning of many of the familiar songs we sing at Christmas. As the story of each song is told, we will sing and celebrate together our joy in Jesus, the newborn King!

Song: “Christmastime” Wednesday Night Live Singers Ring Christmas bells, ring them loud with a message bringing peace on the earth, tidings of good cheer. Come carolers, come and join with the angels singing, “Joy to the world!” Christmas time is here again. Children gather around and listen, you’ll hear the sound of angels filling the sky, telling ev’ry-one Christmastime is here. Ring Christmas bells, ring them loud with a message bringing peace on the earth, tidings of good cheer. Come carolers, come and join with the angels singing, “Joy to the world!” Christmas time is here again. Loved ones close to our hearts and strangers in lands afar together sharing the joy. Emmanuel, go tell the world He has come to dwell. The time is near, with one voice let the world rejoice. Ring Christmas bells, ring them loud with a message bringing peace on the earth, tidings of good cheer. Come carolers, come and join with the angels singing, “Joy to the world!” Christmas time is here again. Christmas time is here again. Christmas time is here again. The Story of “The First Noel” Noel, noel. “Noel.” That’s a word we use a lot during the Christmas season. It comes from a Latin word that means “birth.” It’s also the French word for Christmas! The word Noel means Christmas for us, too. Even though the word comes from Latin, the song called “The First Noel” is an English carol. It is an old song, sung by so many people for so many years, even though we don’t know if any one person wrote the words. It tells the story of the angels and shepherds and wise men, and their joy in Jesus! Song: “The First Noel” Verse 1: Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Hannah Schmitt The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.

Verse 2: Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Brooklynn McMacken, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. Verse 3: Lilly Brinkman, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt And by the light of that same star Three Wise Men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. The Christmas star is pretty important in this song. In this song the star announces the birth of Christ to shepherds on Christmas night. And later the star announced Jesus’ birth to the wise men. What a star! What a story! Some of the first people to meet Jesus were gathered together by that star. Do you think that Christmas star is still shining? It shines on us—and in us—and through us. We shine with joy in Jesus! The Story of “Away in a Manger” Now let’s learn about “Away in a Manger.” People like to call this hymn “Martin Luther’s Cradle Song.” Except that Martin Luther didn’t really write it. An American poet, James Murray, wrote it in 1884, shortly after the 400th anniversary of Luther’s birth. Maybe that’s why we call it Luther’s cradle song! It is sung to different tunes. We’ll sing it now using one of the more familiar melodies. Song: “Away in a Manger” Verse 1: Sunday School Kids in Grades 4 and Younger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Verse 2: Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Ruth Ann Langness, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt 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 cradle till morning is nigh.

Verse 3: Lilly Brinkman, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt 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 take us to heaven to live with Thee there. When I sing this carol, I feel like I am looking right into Jesus’ manger bed. I want to kneel and fold my hands to pray. This carol is a great prayer—for Christmas or for any other time. And it’s not just a prayer for us, but for all children loved and protected by God. Do you think we can include adults in this prayer? Of course. In Jesus, adults, too, are all children of God: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26). Who would have thought that a baby in a manger bed would be the Savior of the world? Only God could come up with a plan like that! Handbells Song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Wednesday Night Live Ringers The Story of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” The next Christmas hymn we are going to sing is very different. It is called “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Charles Wesley wrote this song more than 250 years ago, in 1739. The tune is by the famous composer, Felix Mendelssohn. Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns in his lifetime, and we still sing a lot of them today. He wrote this song especially as a hymn for Christmas Day. This is not a Christmas lullaby like “Away in a Manger,” but instead a triumphant song of joy and praise. Get ready to join the angels in praising Jesus, the newborn King! Song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Verse 1: Sunday School Kids in Grades 4 and Younger Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Verse 2: Lilly Brinkman, Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Holly Schmitt Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Off-spring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Verse 3: Lilly Brinkman, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Hannah Schmitt Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Wow! That song didn’t sound like a lullaby! No, this is a strong statement of what we believe about Jesus. A statement of what we believe is called a creed. The word creed means “I believe.” These are some of the “I believe” truths we sing about in this hymn. I believe…that Jesus has reconciled us to God. That means he has made us friends with God. I believe…that all creation praises God! I believe…that our songs and praises join the praise of the angels and all of creation. I believe…that Jesus was born of a virgin. I believe…that Jesus is both human and divine. I believe…that we call Jesus Emmanuel because that name means that God is with us. I believe…that Jesus is the Light and life of the world. I believe…that Jesus conquers death for me. I believe…that Jesus gives me new life! All that is in this hymn?! I believe it is. What a hymn! What a Savior! Song: “For the Glory of the King” Wednesday Night Live Singers Angels shouting declarations as the stars reveal the wonder of the joy of all the heavens. O holy night. Breaking through the veil of hist’ry, shining through the waiting darkness, gathering to shout salvation a glorious light. This is the moment we’ve all waited for. This is the moment we’re created for.

For the glory of the King. For the honor of His name. For the day of his renown, and everlasting fame. Ev’ry breath is filled with song. Ev’ry thought is turned to praise. Ev’ry heart is lifted up and becomes an offering. For the glory of the King. Come and bow in expectation where the great and lowly gather. Come adore Him, saints and sinners. Before Him fall. See the hope of your redemption. Look into the face of mercy. Offer Him your greatest treasure. Surrender all. This is the moment we’ve all waited for. This is the moment we’re created for. For the glory of the King. For the honor of His name. For the day of his renown, and everlasting fame. Ev’ry breath is filled with song. Ev’ry thought is turned to praise. Ev’ry heart is lifted up and becomes an offering. For the glory of the King. The Story of “Silent Night” Now we are going to sing a quieter song called “Silent Night.” It is a carol originally written in German and translated into English nearly 50 years later. Today it is sung every Christmas season in different languages all over the world! A German priest, Joseph Mohr, wrote the words, and the church musician Franz Gruber wrote a tune to be sung by two solo singers and a small choir with guitar accompaniment. In this quiet song, we sing about the baby Jesus, sleeping in the manger. Mary and Joseph watch over him. Angels sing praise and shepherds come to worship the newborn Savior. A Reading from Luke Chapter 2 Before we sing, let’s listen to the story from Luke 2. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of the great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has make known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. The Story of “Silent Night”, Continued Later, Wise men from the east saw a new star in the sky that signaled the birth of a great King. Guided by that star, they began the long journey to find and worship Jesus. From Matthew chapter 2, we read: The Magi went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. “Silent Night” is one of the world’s best-known Christmas carols. It’s a quiet song, but it is a song filled with joy in Jesus! This is a simple and beautiful song. No wonder Christians love to sing it! There is a wonderful story about American and German soldiers singing “Silent Night” with each other during a Christmas truce in World War I. But like all great Christmas carols, it is not just a sweet lullaby. The song tells us about baby Jesus, the son of a human mother. The song also tells us that he is the Son of God and the Light of the world. The shepherds and the angels gathered for that first announcement of Jesus’ birth. And we sing with them. There is great power in this simple song. Perhaps that is why it has lasted so long. There is power in this simple song because the baby in the manger is Jesus, our powerful Savior! The Bible says that God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). That is what God has done for us! Christ, the Savior is born! Song: “Silent Night” Verse 1: Sunday School Kids in Grades 4 and Younger Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Verse 2: Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Holly Schmitt Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! Verse 3: Lilly Brinkman, Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. The Story of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” The song of the angels has inspired many Christmas carols. The angels sang about Jesus’ birth! They gave glory to God! The angels announced, “Peace on earth, and goodwill to all people.” That’s what this next carol is about—the angel’s song of peace. The writer, Edmund Sears, wants everyone who believes in Jesus to spread the peace of Christ to the world. Song: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” Verse 1: Lilly Brinkman, Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Brooklynn McMacken, Ruth Ann Langness It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will to all, From heav’n’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. Verse 2: Lilly Brinkman, Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heav’nly music floats O’er all the weary world. Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov’ring wing, And ever o’er its babel sounds The blessed angels sing. Peace is a gift that the world certainly needs. But the world doesn’t have very much peace. Especially at Christmastime, our homes can be anything but peaceful! I think that’s why the hymn writer tells us to listen to the angels. The angels give us the words we need to tell the world about the peace of Christ. It is a peace that is greater than we can understand.

I think that’s one reason why Christmas is so important. Christmas teaches us to be peaceful. Christmas teaches us to find our peace in Jesus, who was born, crucified, and rose from the dead. Everyone longs for peace. But only Jesus can give us true peace. The Bible tells us about the peace of Jesus: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). We share Jesus’ peace in church: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” “And also with you.” The Story of “Joy to the World” We move to another song. Whenever you think about Christmas carols, you might think about this one first! It’s “Joy to the World.” But this song wasn’t even written as a Christmas carol! It was written by Isaac Watts, who is called the father of English hymn writing. He wrote this song as a poem based on Psalm 98. He probably wanted Christians to sing it at Easter and not at Christmas! It doesn’t tell the Christmas story, but we wouldn’t think of celebrating Christmas without it. It could be the music. It sounds like something a choir would sing—maybe a choir of angels! It’s a joyful song about joy! Here, we sing a different version of “Joy to the World”. Song: “Joy to the World (Sing Joy)” Wednesday Night Live Singers Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let ev’ry 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. Joy to the earth, the Savior 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. We sing joy, joy to the world! Glory to the newborn King! For the light has come, He’s the holy One. So with great joy we sing! 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, wonders of His love. We sing joy, joy to the world! Glory to the newborn King! For the light has come, He’s the holy One. So with great joy we sing! We sing joy, joy to the world! Glory to the newborn King! For the light has come, He’s the holy One. So with great joy we sing! For the light has come, He’s the holy One. So with great joy we sing! With great joy we sing! With great joy we sing!

There are no shepherds in this song, no manger, no angels, no wise men. I never noticed that before! How can it be a Christmas carol? The Christmas story is not in this song, but all the great truths of Christmas are: Jesus has come, and the whole world is singing his praise. Jesus is in charge, and all of creation is joyful at this good news. The curse of Adam’s sin is washed away. The world is blessed with God’s forgiveness and love. Wonder of wonders, God loves and forgives us because of Jesus! God comes to us in Jesus with truth and grace. We do not need to be afraid of God because of our sins. We come before Him with joy! Our sins are forgiven! Jesus has come to me! Jesus has come to you! Jesus has come to the whole world! Song: “Celebrate the King” Wednesday Night Live Singers For unto us a Child is born; celebrate that Christmas morn. He’s the hope inside of me; celebrate the Prince of Peace. We’re liftin’ up our song of joy; celebrate the Baby Boy. Joy to the world, creation sings. Celebrate the King of Kings. We’re singin’ Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Emmanuel is born. God’s own Son came down to earth; celebrate our Savior’s birth. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Emmanuel is born. God’s own Son came down to earth; celebrate our Savior’s birth. For unto us a Child is born; celebrate that Christmas morn. He’s the hope inside of me; celebrate the Prince of Peace. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Emmanuel is born. God’s own Son came down to earth; celebrate our Savior’s birth! King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Emmanuel is born. God’s own Son came down to earth; celebrate our Savior’s birth. Celebrate our Savior’s birth. Celebrate our Savior’s birth.

CHRISTMAS PLAY - MUSICAL Readers Lilly Brinkman, Bryton Cornell, Kealan Cornell, Ben Dierking, Lyla Dollar, Jake Faulk, Josh Federico, Pete Federico, Camryn Goff, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Carter Murray, Isiah Ortiz, Nolan Pierce, Tyrus Pierce, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt, and Reese Stone Small Group Vocalists Lilly Brinkman, Lyla Dollar, Lilly Erickson, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Esther Langness, Ruth Ann Langness, Brooklynn McMacken, Hannah Schmitt, and Holly Schmitt Wednesday Night Live Singers Lilly Brinkman, Kealan Cornell, Lyla Dollar, Kayden Erling, Josh Federico, Pete Federico, Jenna Kabelman, Brooklynn McMacken, Tyrus Pierce, Hannah Schmitt, and Holly Schmitt Pre-confirmation and Confirmation Bell Players Kealan Cornell, Jake Faulk, Josh Federico, Camryn Goff, Carter Murray, Nolan Pierce, Hannah Schmitt, Holly Schmitt, and Reese Stone Mary: Debra Rousch; Joseph: Jonas Tunheim; Wise Men: Eli Faulk, Cameron Mason, and Ben Williams Shepherds: Matthew Faulk, Johnathan Finnessy, Grace Redden, and Jacob Williams Angels: Nevaeh Cooper, Lilly Erickson, Espen Erling, Tenley Erling, Cassie Finnessy, Jenna Kabelman, Olivia Marks, Brooklynn McMacken, Carson Quereau, Luke Redden, Ruth Redden, Annaliese Tunheim, and Anna Wishon Music Director: Stephen Pruitt; Program Director: Kathy Johnson Instrumentalists: Larry Boeding, Stephen Pruitt, and Sam Westra Sunday School Staff: Kathy Johnson, Director; Mike Reimnitz and Lori Rolling, Teachers, Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten; Joyce Reimnitz, Teacher, Grades 1 and 2; Alice Glassner, Kim Slifka, and Dana Thom, Teachers, Grades 3 and 4; Collin Brinkman, Teacher, Grades 5 and 6; Susan Anderson and Cassie Wagner, Teachers, Grades 7 and 8; Amy Boeding, Larry Boeding, Jim Riebling, and Lisa Riebling, Teachers, Youth; Vicki Redden, Secretary/Treasurer The Sunday school kids, parents, and staff have worked many hours to prepare for this service. We thank them for their devotion and commitment to share the story of Jesus’ birth with our congregation! We’d like to extend a special thank you to the following individuals who helped prepare for the service: Lisa Riebling, Janet Wakefield and the confirmation students, who created the centerpiece for the program. Lori Hawthorne, Linda Marquez, and Christy Williams who repaired, washed, and ironed costumes. Christina Cook and Kiersten Johnson for helping coordinate and direct the many details of the program. Jason Dierking for directing sound for the program. Thank you to all of you!

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