Looking Forward to December 24, Christmas Eve -- the 8:00 service

This service will have Prayers, Carols, Handbells, Candles, Drama, Choirs, Organ!  Oh and the story of course.

The Scripture Readings for this service are:

• Isaiah 9:2-7
• Luke 2:1-20

 There will also be a three person drama where residents of Bethlehem are discussing the strange events.  One is the Innkeeper.  One is the midwife.  One is a wealthy townsperson.

Then there will be a meditation called The Center

Early Thoughts:  This evening we light the candle at the center of our wreath.  It is the center of our circle and signifies the One who is at the center of our hope, the center of the season, the center of our faith.

What is the center of the season? Is it light?  Is it life? Is it love?  I would argue it is all these things wrapped up in a baffling baby.

At the center of the season is the Birth of the one who taught about love, who is sometimes referred to as Love Incarnate.  It is the Birth of the one who came to bring Life, and that in Abundance.  It is the birth of the one who is called the Light of the World.

The center of the season is announced by angel song to frightened shepherds.  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord".  The center of our faith now lies in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths.

On this night we move towards the center.  We gather with the shepherds to see this thing which has been told to us.  Having been to the center we now move out from it.  How will we do that?
--Gord