Opening is read by Chancel Choir. They read as indicated.

SOPRANOS- In the beginning was the word… and the word was with God
ALTOS- and the word was God…He was in the beginning with God…
TENORS- all things were made through him… and without him was not anything made that was made…
BASSES: In him was life, and the life was the light of men… The light shines in the darkness
ALL- and the darkness has not overcome it…
(pause)
FIRST READER- So many years ago these words were written about the Christ Child, Jesus, the Saviour, the Messiah, the Living God. And as the centuries pass, it is our desire to learn of Him, to see Him, to feel his presence. Even before that night when He was born of the Virgin Mary, and placed in a manger in a stable, there were people awaiting His coming.

SECOND READER- “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel: God with us.”

MALE SOLOIST- (for one verse of O Come Emmanuel)
O come, O come, Emanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the son of God appear.

CHANCEL CHOIR- (in unison on the refrain)
Rejoice, Rejoice, Emanuel
Shall come to Thee, O, Israel.

FIRST READER- The story of Jesus’ birth is a familiar one. We can probably repeat the verses from the second chapter of Luke along with our reader. Let’s try. And as we do so, remember that this event we speak of is what brought salvation to the world.

SECOND READER- “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, 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 first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.