HOME ABOUT US SITE MAP PARTNERS ARCHIVES SERVICES VOLUNTEERS SOCIAL MEDIA

Worship/Services

Archives: Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? #9


Worshipful Ceremonies / Services

Introduction to the Services

These services are designed to be used with events . . . whenever they may occur, rather than on specific dates.

You are urged to select an appropriate reflection to accompany the service. If, for example, you use the Service Before Travel on the Sunday after Christmas, then use the reflection for that day. If you use the Service for Planning Your Giving around the First Sunday in Advent, then use the reflection written for that day.

The services vary in length.

 

A Service. . .

While Planning Gift Giving

A child begins the service by giving a Bible to any adult (without coaching). That adult becomes the leader.

Leader: Let us hold hands in a circle, bow our heads and pray. "Thank you God for giving us a child to choose us to follow you. Bestow your wisdom upon us as we make difficult gift decisions this season. Help us to make our gift giving reflect your presence in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we give. In Jesus' name, amen."

Gifts chosen wisely have real value. They cannot be given a dollar value nor can they keep up with current fashion [trends]. Let us share well chosen stories about meaningful gifts.

Each person speaks in turn. "The gift that I still treasure most is one I received from [name the giver]. I treasure it because. . . ."

Leader: The gift of "whole, healthy relationships" is a gift that God gave through Jesus. As we plan our gift giving, let us focus on our relationships with family, friends and co-workers. Then focus on our home, our place of worship and our relationship with the whole earth. . . the environment and the people. Let us examine our relationship to money and to business and advertising. Are each of these relationships healthy?

Gift giving has impacts that we may never see. It may be simple or complex. Let's strive to make ours thoughtful, meaningful for the givers andthe receivers.

If appropriate, read the reflection for the day that this service is used. Also, read aloud one of the hymns in this booklet.

-- Ashley Nedeau-Owen, Alternatives' former Business Manager

 

A Service for. . .

Trimming the Christmas Tree

Our society is diverse. So are family traditions for trimming the Christmas tree. Throw in what seems to be ever more busy schedules and the consumer rush from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and how we decorate our trees becomes an interesting story in many homes. Sometimes just purchasing a tree and setting it up are major achievements.

At the same time trimming the Christmas tree is often very meaningful, evoking special memories from childhood. Take time to share these stories -while you are picking out a tree, setting it up, retrieving the boxes of decorations from the attic or basement, and while hanging the ornaments and lights. Encourage each family member to share a memory. Often children will share a story you told them in years past!

Bible Readings (Have family members choose one of the following passages to read aloud while trimming the tree.)

Suggestion: Read the following passage when you plug in the lights.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

Suggestion: Read the following passage when you place the star on top of the tree.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, "Where is the child who is born king of the Jews? For we have observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.... In Bethlehem of Judea...." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (Matthew 2:1-2, 5, 9-10).

Suggestion: Read the following passage when you begin putting on ornaments and other trimmings.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2 :11)

Suggestion: Read the following passage as you finish trimming your tree. Then gather around the tree to sing a Christmas hymn (Go Tell It on the Mountain, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World).

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see; I am bringing good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" (Luke 2:8-14).

Litany (Use following tree trimming. Ask one person to read normal type. All voices read the bold type.)

The scent of pine, the jingle of ornaments, the twinkle of lights, the star shining at the top of the tree bring back memories of Christmases past:

The joy, the laughter, the fun... time spent together.

The evergreen pine, the lights, the star also remind us of God's greatest gift:

Jesus was born the Light of the World, the bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega.

Jesus, the Light of the World, reminds us that we live in a world where darkness abounds.

As the lights on our tree bring us joy and delight, let us seek to bring joy to those who suffer, who are lonely, who cannot see the Light.

Jesus, the bright Morning Star, reminds us that there are those for whom morning means another day of struggle to survive famine or warfare or tyranny.

As the star in the East led the Magi to Jesus, let us be guiding Lights to bring hope to despairing lives, to bring the good news of salvation.

Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, reminds us that human life is frail and temporary, and that some feel life is not worth living.

God has created all things and God will continue to create. We are created in God's image and included in an eternal covenant of love. Let us so live our lives that others find meaning and purpose in their own through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer (Gather around the tree, holding hands. Ask someone to lead the prayer or say it in unison.)

Everlasting God, you guide us to the place where Jesus was born with many signs: dreams, stars, angels. But our world, today, pulls us in other directions with neon, Nintendo, and the 'Net. We are tempted with miracles of technology we can watch or hold in our hands, and are numbed to the needs of those who so desperately need a sign that somebody... anybody cares. Forgive our weakness and conspicuous consumption.

You guide us to Jesus so that we might learn your Way and in turn show others. Open our eyes to your signs once again . Give us the desire to see the needs of others and to work to meet them . As you gave us your only Son, may we give of our lives and our means, so that others no longer want for even the most basic necessities and can see in us only Jesus as we seek to meet those needs. Make us rays of your light in our darkened world. Amen.

Christmas Hymn

(Conclude your tree trimming service with a favorite hymn.)

Suggestions

--Rick Hoffarth serves as pastor of Locust Presbyterian Church, Locust, North Carolina.

 

A Service for. . .

Sharing Christmas Memories

So often we rush through Advent and Christmas and don't take the time to remember what makes the season meaningful. Memories of special celebrations and people are often only flashes of thoughts rushing through our minds as we stand in long lines or unpack decorations.

Set aside some time to gather as a family or small group to acknowledge and share your memories. Ask each person to bring a special Christmas "something," such as a favorite decoration, a photo of Christmas past, a reading, etc. Also gather and bring all of the Christmas cards you received so far this season.

Bible Reading:

(Choose someone to read the following aloud.)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed....And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward [all]. (Luke 2:1-14)

Litany:

(Choose someone to read this aloud or ask each person to read one line.)

We gather together to remember what makes Christmas special. For this time, we put aside our thoughts of gift lists and decorating, baking and shopping. We remember the Christ Child and what his birth means to us and our world. (A few minutes of silence)

We remember those Christ came to serve, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the imprisoned. We remember our family and friends, many of whom we see only during holidays like this. Here and now, we make a commitment to take time during these busy weeks to touch the lives of people as Jesus did in his living and continues to do today.

Sharing:

One at a time, have each person talk about the photo, decoration, etc. that s/he brought. As the person is sharing, pass the item around so that everyone can see it close up.

Now pass around the stack of Christmas cards you have received. Have each person choose one card and read it aloud. Tell who it is from. Who is the person(s) to you? Share a fond memory of the person.

Finally, ask each person to share one thing that made last Christmas meaningful.

Singing:

Sing a favorite carol or read aloud one of the hymns in this booklet.

Prayer:

(Form a circle and hold hands. Ask someone to lead the group in the following prayer.)

O Gracious God, as we make our way through this frantic time of year, help us to remember that Jesus came to bring peace. Though often overshadowed by the "things" of Christmas, that peacefulness is there for us to know and to share. Let us remember that people, not material things, make the season special. Guide us as we reach out to the people around us with the message of Christmas. Amen.

Suggestions for the Weeks Ahead:

--Heidi Roy, Olive Branch, Mississippi, served on Alternatives' staff for over seven years.


A Service. . .

Before Travel

Leader 1: As we gather for this service, let us keep a kind thought on Mary and Joseph. During the first Advent they traveled to heed the call of the state. . . to be signed up to be counted and to pay taxes. Their traveling, though, fulfilled God's promise. As we prepare ourselves for Christmas travel let us take time to ask why we are traveling. Are we responding to an outside pressure or obligation? Are we doing the "correct" thing? Are we seeking approval from our larger family?

Leader 2: When we obey God and follow in God's highway, our travel will give testimony to our faith.

Leader 1 [Lighting a candle]: As we make preparations for travel, let our plans help us stay focused on the light of Christ, the Way.

Leader 2: [2 Samuel 7:5-11] "Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel ,did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commended to shepherd my people Israel, saying: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give them rest from their enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house." [NRSV]

Leader 1: The Old Testament documents God traveling with the people of God. [Pass the lighted candle to the closest person.]

As each participant receives the candle, s/he takes time to share, meditate or pray, beginning, "As I travel this Christmas, I will reveal my faith by. . . ."

Leader 1: Let us pray, "As we leave this place, we extinguish our candle for safety. Please, God of wanderers, grant us safe travel. Thank you for accompanying us. We will show our faithfulness by allowing the light of Jesus to burn on in us, shining for others to see."

If appropriate, read the reflection for the day that this service is used. Also, read aloud one of the hymns in this booklet.

-Ashley Nedeau-Owen, Alternatives' former Business Manager


A Service for. . .

Closing the Season

Introduction

At family ritual workshops people talk about the let down after Christmas. The turkey's gone. How painful it is to take the tree down, a job which usually falls to the mother in the house.

As Director for Christian Life, Kathleen Connolly has initiated an Epiphany Party that includes a Home Mass.

"We've done it for five or six years. We've gotten good response. This party is not crammed in with Christmas. It falls far enough after Christmas that it is a quieter celebration."

Invitations are sent to friends and members of St. Bridget's Club, an organization open to all at St. Margaret Mary Parish. It includes families of all descriptions - young married, adult singles, religious people. (St. Bridget is the patron saint of hospitality.) Its purpose is to have something social, service and spiritual each month. The service project for January is St. Anthony House; the social is the party; and the spiritual is the Home Mass.

The attendees bring items to donate, usually clothing and children's toys, which are given to the homeless shelter and families of migrant workers at St. Anthony House.

The party has evolved. Some 20 families in the church group and their friends come to a potluck supper and home mass, which includes a service of prayers, a period of reflection and a time for reconciliation.

"We are not encouraged to sing Christmas songs before Christmas (during Advent). So, on this Epiphany night, guitar-accompanied music consists of traditional Christmas songs to say good-bye to Christmas and hello to Epiphany."

Service

Leader: Sometimes we're short with each other at Christmas. We may be disappointed. There are so many expectations at Christmas. In Jesus' name we can now let go of those things and forgive each other when we've been short or jealous. Reflect back on this past Christmas. Share your thoughts. Think of the Bread of Communion. How were you fed and nourished this Season? Where were you famished? [Pause for response or solicit response.]

Leader: How would we like next Christmas to be different, better, more meaningful? [Pause for response. Leader takes notes which will be keep in a safe place until next fall.]

Leader: Join hands to pray. "Everliving and loving God, thank you for the chance to Celebrate Jesus' birthday. Forgive us our shortcomings, our envy, our greed. Help us to celebrate even more responsibly throughout this new year. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Read the Reflection for Epiphany. Speak one of the hymns in this booklet.

The group proceeds to take the tree down in home or church. The donated items are collected for distribution. - Kathleen Connolly


Archives Index | Whose Birthday? Index (all) | Whose Birthday? #9 Index
Many More Interesting Christmas Articles


This page last updated 20 October 2012

Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com | Blog INDEX
PODCAST | Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.