I’m sure that you are as rushed as I am during this pre-Christmas season. So it always helps to know what is coming up and when. Here’s some information about our children’s Christmas Eve program, our practices, and service times up through Christmas day.

DATES

Practices:
December 17 Sunday after church
December 20 Wednesday – During Youth Bible School
December 23 Saturday – 10:00 a.m. (will last a couple hours)

Christmas Eve Service:
December 24 Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (children’s service)

Midweek Advent Service:
December 20 Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Regular Worship:
December 24 8:15 a.m. Christ
10:15 a.m. St. Paul

Christmas Day:
December 25 10:00 a.m. (note it is NOT at 10:15)

PARTS
All of the parts have been handed out. We would like the children to have their parts already memorized for December 17’s practice. The practice goes smoother when everyone already knows their parts. I think that most of the kids have already learned their parts, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Some of the older kids may receive another part (They should know by the time this letter is printed). Ask your children about their parts. It offers a moment to discuss with your child the significance of what they are saying. Emphasize how important it is for your child to say it loud and clear, so the congregation will also be able to enjoy its meaning.

SONGS
The children will do a lot of singing this year. The better they know the words of the songs, the louder and more confident they will sing for the service. We’ve been practicing the songs and we will continue to practice them, but it will help if you go through them at home and prompt them to learn as much as they can without having to read it (Of course, it all depends on their age.):

All of the songs are in the file above.

DEVOTIONAL:
“Song of Zechariah”
Since this is a longer and harder song, the children don’t have to try to learn it… but it certainly would make for interesting home devotions. Take a verse each night and discuss why the father of John the Baptist would sing these words about God and his son.
1.
Now bless the God of Israel, Who comes in love and pow’r,
Who raises from the royal house Deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn To free us from alarm,
To save us from the heavy hand Of all who wish us harm.

Questions for meditation:
Jesus came from the ‘royal house’ of David. In what ways is he the greatest King ever? What kind of kingdom does he rule? How does he use his royal power to provide “Deliverance?” Whose heavy hand wants to harm us for eternity?

2.
Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
That we might serve in holiness And peace from year to year;
And you, my child, shall go before To preach, to prophesy,
That all may know the tender love, The grace of God most high.

Questions for meditation:
What was the covenant, the promise that God had made all the way back in the Garden of Eden? How incredible it must have been to be Zechariah, knowing that his son’s generation would include the Savior – the fulfillment of God’s eternal promises, which we enjoy today! Why is Christian service, a service of holiness and peace, rather than a service of slavery and fear? John’s message usually began with REPENT! And yet Zechariah recognized that John’s message wasn’t complete if it didn’t speak the tender love of God. How did John’s role as the forerunner to Christ, make John’s message a proclamation of grace? How can you express to your child Zechariah’s joy in this song?

3.
In tender mercy God will send The Dayspring from on high,
Our rising sun, the light of life For those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace
That death shall reign no more,
Sing praises to the Holy One! O worship and adore!

Questions for meditation:
What is the meaning of Dayspring? How does Jesus fit that description? And rising sun (beauty? After the darkness of night? On Judgment day?)? As light of life (as compared to dark things that happen or could happen in our lives)? How fitting is his picture of repentance: ‘those who sit and sigh’ (It’s certainly not boredom that is being spoken about, but rejection and helplessness)? When Christ comes as king, whose throne does he topple in line 3? Why does that give us reason to sing? especially during the children’s Christmas Eve service?

Have a blessed Christmas! And thank you for all of your help and prayers. May your preparations be a blessing to you and your children!