Getting Liturgical, sort of...

Over the past few years a sort of tradition has developed at CSF Berks. At Christmas and then again at Resurrection Day (Easter), we have a worship night focused on those most important events. So we set aside whatever our theme for the semester is and spend the evening singing songs and reading the scriptural stories. The students really enjoy it, which is why we keep doing it! It is interactive as we read some prayers in unison and we have individual students read each of the scriptures. Last evening we had a special treat, as my friend Adam, pastor of Desert Road Fellowship, visited to lead us in worship. We also shared communion together. I reminded the students that God became man as a gift for us and that this baby born on Christmas grew up and gave his life on the cross as a gift for us. Simply put, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the greatest gift, to restore our relationship with God. Knowing there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve this, I asked the students to ponder what they are going to give to Jesus this holiday season?

Knowing all that God has done for you, the gift of Jesus' body and blood, what are you going to give back?

Here is the outline for our night.

Opening Prayer

Scriptures of Hope
Isaiah 9:2, 6 – Reader #1
Jeremiah 31:31-33 – Reader #2

Songs of Hope
O Come Emmanuel
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

The Christmas Story Part 1
Luke 1:26-38 – The Angel Visits Mary – Reader #3

Luke 1:46-55 – Mary Worships God – Reader #4
Matthew 1:18-25 – The Angel Visits Joseph – Reader #5

Songs
O Little Town of Bethlehem
The First Noel

The Christmas Story Part 2
Luke 2:1-7 – Birth of Jesus – Reader #6
Luke 2:8-20 – Shepherds – Reader #7
Matthew 2:1-12 – the Magi – Reader #8

Songs
Away in a Manger
Offering

Communion scripture - John 1:1-5, 14; 3:16-17 – Reader #9
Reflection
Communion (Cup and Bread up front)

Closing Prayer:
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their Savior is born.Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.