Follow That Star
to a…
Ben Calf Robe School
Christmas
Christmas Celebration at St Clare Church
December 23, 2005
Opening Hymn: E.C. Christmas Song
Opening Greeting:
The celebration of love is here. The celebration of our greatest love coming. Today we continue walking toward Christmas and the gift of love that God gave to us… his only Son, Jesus. Years ago people of God prepared for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, in many ways.All of them prayed, some did good deeds, and some told God how sorry they were for doing the evil deeds they had done. They made themselves ready to welcome Jesus, when He came.
Today we come before God, to prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts.
As part of Advent and Christmas, we prepare ourselves to love Jesus, by considering the people with whom we live with, we work with, we play with and we share the experience of everyday living with.
Are we ready to be like our Creator, the Lord God, and give of ourselves to loving others, as He loved us?
Let us begin our Advent Celebration today…walking together toward Christmas.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Song: Light the Advent Candle (verses sung in-between lighting of each candle)
Light The Advent Candle
Chorus:
Candle, candle, burning bright
Shining in the cold winter night;
Candle, candle, burning bright,
Fill our hearts with Christmas light.
1. Light the Advent candle one.
Now the WAITING has begun…
We have started on our way,
Time to think of Christmas Day.
2. Light the Advent candle two.
Think of humble shepherds who…
Filled with WONDER at the sight,
Of the child on Christmas night.
3. Light the Advent candle three.
Think of heavenly harmony.
Angels singing ‘PEACE on earth’…
At the blessed Savior’s birth.
4. Light the Advent candle four.
Think of JOY forevermore.
Christchild in a stable born…
Gift of LOVE that Christmas morn.
5. Light the Christmas candles now…
Sing of donkey, sheep and cow.
Birthday candles for the KING,
Let the ALLELUIAS ring!
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
1st candle:
Reader -
The first candle we light today, reminds us of the HOPE of those who waited for the day when the Messiah would come to be the LIGHT of the WORLD and lead us out of darkness...toward our God.
All -
Dear God make us strong
as we wait for the day
when Your Son will be born
and take darkness away
2nd candle:
Reader -
The second candle we light today, reminds us of PEACE through God's FORGIVENESS. We must try to live GOOD and JUST lives and REPENT for our mistakes. We must also forgive ourselves and each other, so that we may all know PEACE.
All -
Dear God help us show
love and kindness for each other
Let forgiveness come to all,
from our God and our brother
3rd candle:
Reader -
The third candle we light today, reminds us of the JOY of Christmas day. We remember the angels who brought good news to the shepherds, and we give thanks that the greatest gift of all, will soon be here!
All -
Dear God help us feel
the JOY His coming will bring
When the earth will be blessed
and we'll welcome the King
4th candle:
Reader -
The fourth candle we light today, reminds us of God's LOVE for us. We also remember Mary who loved God so much, that she became the Mother of Jesus, God's Son. Mary is our loving Mother in Heaven, and we all share in the LOVE of the family of God.
All -
Dear God we give thanks
for Your deep endless LOVE
for sending us the Savior
as a gift from above
May we trust as Mary did,
and choose life in your LIGHT
...giving you praise
and always doing what's right
First Reading: Mark 1: 3-7
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying our in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Aand people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals; I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia
Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38
A reading from the Gospel of our Lord according to Luke
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
A reading from the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
Glory to You O Lord
Homily – Father Jim
Offertory Hymn: Come Lord Jesus
Come Lord Jesus
Come Lord Jesus,
Come Lord Jesus,
Come Lord Jesus,
Come and be born in our hearts.
Come, O Prince of Peace,
Come, O Prince of Peace,
Come, O Prince of Peace,
Come and be born in our hearts.
Our hearts are open,
Our hearts are open,
Our hearts are open,
Come and be born in our hearts.
Come, Emmanuel,
Come, Emmanuel,
Come, Emmanuel,
Come and be born in our hearts.
Prayers of the Faithful:
Jesus is a special gift the Father gave us the first Christmas. Jesus wants to bring our prayers and needs to His Father. Let us talk to Him…
Response: Creator, hold us in your heart.
Grade 1 – For Peace in the world.
Grade 2/3 – For great hope and joy for all people.
Grade 2 – For the gift of family and friends.
Grade 3 – For safe travels over the holiday season.
Grade 4 – For forgiveness in all times we could have done better.
Grade 5 – For all the needy and homeless people – that they find happiness this Christmas and New Year
Success Room – For good health and healthy spirits …for the days to come
Grade 6 – For growth and learning, that we all develop into the kind and caring people that Jesus wants us to be.
Junior High – For all intentions that we now hold dear in our hearts. May these prayers and wishes be heard and our answers come to us in a gentle way.
CREE – For a safe, relaxing and special holiday with our family and friends.
Hymn: Huron Carol
Closing Prayer:
May the peace and love of Jesus Christ
Go with you on your way,
And bless your home and loved ones
In Spirit Christmas Day.
May the joy of God’s bright promise
The Advent of His Son
Live evermore within each heart
And comfort everyone…
May the faith of old time prophets
Be with you where you are,
And may truth of God’s own Word
Remain your Christmas star.
Closing Hymn: FOLLOW that STAR
Huron Carol
Twas in the moon of wintertime
When all the birds had fled.
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead.
Before their light the stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard the hymn…
Chorus:
JESUS YOUR KING IS BORN
JESUS IS BORN
IN EXCELSIS GLORIA
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender babe was found.
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty ‘round;
And as the hunter braves drew nigh
The angel song rang loud and high:
Chorus
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory
On the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before Him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Chorus
O children of the forest free.
O sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace, and joy!
Chorus
Follow That Star
CHORUS
Follow that star,
Follow that star,
Follow that star to see the baby…
Follow that star,
Follow that star,
Follow that star to Bethlehem!
REPEAT
Shepherds on the hillside,
Watched their flocks by night.
Then appeared an angel,
Filled with a light so bright!
It’s good news I bring you…
Do not be afraid!
In the town of David…
A child is born today!
Chorus
Glory in the highest,
Peace good will towards men.
Choruses of angels,
Joyfully sang to them!
You will find the baby,
Wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Lying in a manger…
Just as the prophet told!
CHORUS
Follow, follow, follow the star!
