Welcome (Pastor) Welcome! Welcome! On this Christmas Eve we continue opening to “Holy Wonder.”
No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! Welcome guests.
Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We are blessed by this sacred worship space located on unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people. We honor the past and face the future in peace with hope.
Today’s… Flowers: Jesus Christ’s Birth. Worship Team: Musician Vicky Jennings, Reader Darlene Hamady, Advent Wreath Mabel Low and Debbie Schram, and Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.
Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Chalice #144, v 1 & 4/song sheet (Vicky)
Advent Candles Reading and Lighting: (Mabel Low and Debbie Schram)After Mabel’s reading: We light all the Advent Candles – expectant and eager to encounter Holy Wonder.
Light all FOUR Advent Candles. (Do NOT light Christ Candle, yet)
Holy Wonder: Christ is Born
Christian Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 (NRSV)(Darlene)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Carol: “Away in a Manger” Chalice #147, v 1 & 2 /song sheet (Vicky)
Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NRSV) (Pastor)
A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.
Christ Candle Reading and Lighting (Mabel Low and Debbie Schram)
Let us pray:
“Let this moment settle in my heart,
Let all that it holds rest secure in the love of God,
Let the wonder of the holy One
radiate from the center of my being,
Until the reality of Christ’s inner presence
Spills out into the world around me.” Amen. (cs)
Light the New Christ Candle
Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” Chalice #47(Vicky)
Holy Wonder: God is Here
Sermon “Holy Wonder: God is Here!” (Pastor) God chose to become extremely vulnerable to be with us. Being open to Holy Wonder is humbling ourselves to God’s incomprehensible love for us.
Special Music (Vicky)
Holy Communion (Pastor)
Invitation, Gathering Souls, Words of Institution, Prayer of Consecration, Sharing the Elements
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Pastoral Prayer(Pastor)
Carol “Silent Night, Holy Night”Chalice #145, verses 1-3/song sheet (Vicky)
Benediction (Pastor)
Postlude (Vicky)
The service is concluded.
Worship Resources:
(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.
Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!
Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!
Online Publishing Date: December 18, 2022.
Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!
Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!
For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”
“God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illuminated by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason.” — Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish Secretary-General of the United Nations
Prelude(musician)
Pastor’s Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! Welcome to worship this 4th and last Sunday of Advent. Our Advent-Christmas theme this year is “Holy Wonder.”
No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! Welcome guests.
Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We are blessed by this sacred worship space located on unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people. We honor the past and face the future in peace with hope.
Liturgist’s Welcome and Acknowledgements (liturgist) As Pastor Kathryn lights the Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought.
Lighting the Votives (pastor lights votives while the musician plays) “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
(liturgist, after votive candles are lit and music concluded, please continue)
Today’s…
Flowers: David & Dorene Louie
Worship Team: Musician: Everett Louie. Vocalist: Jonathan Louie. Liturgist: David Louie. Pastor: Rev. Kathryn Schreiber. Advent Wreath Lighter/Readers: the Louie family.
(Advent Wreath lighters/readers come up; liturgist sits down)
Advent Wreath Reading and Candles(Advent Wreath reader/s)
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, may we open to Holy Wonder, listening to Irish Christian philosopher and spiritual guide John O’Donohue:
“All thinking that is imbued with wonder is graceful and gracious thinking… Thought, if it’s not open to wonder, can be limiting, destructive and very, very dangerous.”
“If you look at a thought as a circle, and if half the arc of the circle is the infusion of wonder, then the thought will be kind, it will be gracious, and it will also be compassionate, because wonder and compassion are sisters.” (jo)
We light the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Candles of Advent – expectant and eager to encounter Holy Wonder. (Light all FOUR Advent Candles)
Opening Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #144, all 4 verses (musician)
Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace; pastor)
Time for Children “God-Given Dreams” Sometimes, God speaks while we sleep. (pastor)
We Rest in God’s Grace
Prayer and Silence (pastor) Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.
Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)
Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)
Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)
Be still. (Breathe slowly)
Be. (Breathe slowly)
(Breathe in silence) Amen.
Assurance of Grace (pastor) Dear Ones, fear happens. It is our natural instinct to be anxious when the unexpected occurs. Yet, we are more than fearful beings. We are made in the image of God. We have souls that dwell in eternity awash with the wondrous presence of the Living Christ – the One-Who-Is-Always-Coming-Into-Being.
Beloved Thomas Merton said, “The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.” For Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, something had to die in him that he might welcome a new role as a parent of the Christ.
We, too, are being called by God to release parts of ourselves so that we can host the Christ being born this Christmas. This is a strange and sometimes scary grace – to let go of the familiar, so that God can fill us with the new. Amen. (kms)
Special Music (musician) “Grown Up Christmas Wish”Jonathan Louie, vocal
We Listen
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-21(version: NRSV; liturgist) Faced with a moral challenge, righteous Joseph, while sleeping, receives God’s guidance opening to a new, wonderful way forward.
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way:
When Jesus’ mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when Joseph resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.
Reflection: “Compassionate Courage” (pastor)In Joseph we have a role model of true faithfulness. His openness to God’s wonders – far beyond his own thoughts of what is possible or even traditionally correct – show us how to surrender to compassion and courage, welcoming Christ into our hearts, homes, world.
Reflection Hymn: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” #628, all 3 verses(musician)
We Pray
Prayer Requests (pastor; all)
Pastoral Prayer (pastor) Dream-Giver, when our thoughts are too small for Your Big Dreams, allow us to rest and sleep. As we surrender our diligently practiced ideas, and our unhelpfully protective fears, and our real concerns about the mysterious unknown — take away what no longer serves to fill us with what does. We really hope to be open to Your joys, Your gifts, Your redemption of all that is suffering. Amen. (kms)
Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer(pastor)
Offering Our Praise “Doxology”(musician; all)
We Transition
Announcements (pastor)
Senior Center Tues December 20th – RSVP to?
Christmas Eve: 2pm “Holy Wonder” Service with Holy Communion
Next Sunday: Christmas Day. 11am. “Holy Wonder” Angel’s Pop-Up Play.
Donations for WDDS due 12/25
Closing Hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful” #148, all 4 verses(musician)
Benediction (pastor) We are a week away from Christmas – and maybe we are feeling a little too much that isn’t good. I think St Joseph would tell us to “take a nap.” Sleep. Dream. Be open to God speaking in our dreams of courageous, compassionate, expansive, even radical Big Love!
May God bless us with Holy Wonder! May we go forth in peace with Big Love! Amen.
Postlude (musician) “Believe”
The service is concluded.
Worship Resources:
(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.
Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!
Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!
Online Publishing Date: December 13, 2022.
Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!
Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!
For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”
A Pop-Up Readers Christmas Pageant for at least three actors/readers and one narrator with “in the pew” parts for everyone! Prep/Prop info appears after the service, below.
”Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion.”– Rev. Ralph W. Sockman, 20th-century gifted preacher
Prelude(musician)
Pastor’s Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Merry Christmas! Welcome to this very special Sunday Morning Christmas Day! This Christmas morn we join the angels in telling the story of the birth of Christ and celebrating God’s most wondrous gift.
No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! Welcome guests.Mention COVID/Flu protocols.
Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We are blessed by this sacred worship space located on unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people. We honor the past and face the future in peace with hope.
Today’s…
Flowers: available for dedication
Worship Team: Musician Ian Pong; Cast: TBA; Advent Wreath: TBA; Pastor & Narrator: Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.
Carol:“Angels We Have Heard on High” #155, verses 1-3(musician)
Advent and Christ Candle Lighting (tba) On this blessed Christmas Day morning, as we light all the Advent Candles and the newly lit Christ Candle, may we transformed by Holy Wonder. (Light all FIVE Candles)
Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace; pastor)
“The Birth of Jesus As Told by Angels”
Introduction(pastor)
This Advent and Christmas we are being led by HOLY WONDER – moments when we fully awaken to God’s now – moments that move us to awe – moments flush with Big Hope – moments when courage opens our hearts to partnering with the Christ-Still-Being-Born.
One of the great preachers of the last century, Rev. Ralph Sockman, said this about wonder at Christmas time: ”Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion.”
The Bible is filled with wonderful and wondrous stories about God’s ongoing response to humanity. In our Judeo-Christian tradition angels are a special order of beings who serve as God’s messengers. Whenever an angel appears, God is delivering a critical message.
Today, on this Sunday Christmas Morning, we will re-tell the story of Jesus’ birth through sacred moments captured in scripture – episodes where angels appear at critical junctures to carry forward God’s Dream for us through Jesus Christ.
We will be telling this story together! Some folks have volunteered in advance; all will be called unto service as we recount a special, angelic version of the Christmas Story.
Now, I’m going to let you in on a secret – the more we relax and have fun with this telling, the more likely it is that we’ll encounter a Holy Wonder. I hope you’ll really enjoy your part in sharing this wonder-filled sacred story! And that God will use our collective storytelling to speak to each and every one of us.
Act One: “Gabriel”
Mary is seated on one of two center chairs on the dais. She is wearing a scarf about her shoulders. Gabriel, wearing a lit halo and carrying a bag (with unlit halos in it) is in the back of the church, not yet visible.
Narrator: “Young Mary is the niece of Temple Priest Zacharias and her Auntie Elizabeth of noted Hebrew religious lineage. Young Mary’s Uncle and Auntie, long past the time of having children, had offered decades of prayers and offerings, even though they remained childless.
“One Day, while Zacharias was performing sacred rituals, the angel Gabriel appeared to him with the wondrous news that Old Elizabeth would bear a child! The child’s name would be ‘John’ and he would prepare The People for the coming of The Messiah.
“It is now six months later and God has sent that same angel to another woman to announce the news of her unexpected pregnancy.”
Gabriel starts walking up the aisle toward Young Mary.
“God sent angel Gabriel to Young Mary to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. Young Mary was engaged to a man, Old Joseph, a descendant of the Great King David. Through Gabriel, God will extend the most amazing invitation to Young Mary.”
Gabriel approaches Young Mary.
Gabriel: “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
Gabriel makes big, kind gestures.
Narrator: “Young Mary is confused and perplexed by these words. What sort of greeting is this? Angel Gabriel seeks to assure her.”
Angel Gabriel: “Don’t be afraid, Young Mary. You have found favor with God. And God has a very big honor to bestow upon you, should you agree.”
Young Mary listens carefully.
Angel Gabriel: “And now, you will conceive and give birth to a son. You will name him ‘Jesus.’
Young Mary is very confused.
Angel Gabriel: “He will be great! He will be called the Son of the Most High! God will give him the throne of his ancestor the Great King David! He will rule over the House of Jacob forever! Of his kin-dom, there will be no end!”
Narrator: Young Mary thought for a while. Then she looked, carefully, at the angel and said to Gabriel,”
Mary: “But, how can this be? I have never done what a young woman needs to do to make a baby!”
Gabriel: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… (pause). And the power of the Most High will overshadow you… (pause). The child to be born will be holy. Young Mary, he will be called the ‘Son of God.’”
Narrator: “Gabriel went on to tell Young Mary about his visit to her Auntie Elizabeth, long barren, now six months pregnant.”
Gabriel: “Young Mary, nothing is impossible for God.”
Mary replies brightly with conviction.
Mary: “Here I am – God’s servant. Let it be as you have said.”
Gabriel pulls a halo from his bag, turns it on, and places it on her head. Gabriel turns away and walks down the aisle. Young Mary stays put for a while. As we sing, she moves to the side two chairs and sits down.
Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” #148, verses 1-2 (musician)
As we sing Old Joseph, with his blanket, takes a seat in one of the chairs in the center of the dais.
Act Two: “The Angel of the Lord”
Old Joseph is seated in one of two chairs in the center of the dais. He is wrapped up in a blanket and nodding off to sleep.
The Angel of the Lord, wearing a lit halo and carrying a bag (with many unlit halos in it) is in the back of the church, not yet visible.
Narrator: “Now, this is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. Remember that Young Mary, Jesus’ mother, was engaged to Old Joseph, but they had not ‘lived together’ yet. She was pregnant and showing.”
Old Joseph, asleep, tosses and turns.
Narrator: “Old Joseph, Young Mary’s fiancé was a righteous man. He knew he wasn’t the father of Young Mary’s child. Old Joseph also knew he could legally, publicly renounce her and break the marriage contract because of her pregnancy. However, righteous Old Joseph had no desire to humiliate Young Mary. As he fell asleep, his plan was to privately, quietly dismiss her.”
The Angel of the Lord walks up the aisle toward sleeping Old Joseph.
Narrator: “As Old Joseph slept, poorly, The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his dreams.”
The Angel of the Lord gently lays a hand on Old Joseph’s shoulder before speaking.
The Angel of the Lord: “Old Joseph, descendent of the Great King David, don’t be afraid… (pause). Take Young Mary as your wife… (pause). The child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”
Old Joseph moves in his sleep, turning toward the angel. The angel continues speaking.
The Angel of the Lord: “Old Joseph, Young Mary will give birth to a son. You will name this child ‘Jesus’ and he will save his people from their sins.’”
The Angel of the Lord pulls a halo from his bag, turns it on, and places it on Old Joseph’s head, and then departs down the aisle. Old Joseph wakes up and goes to sit beside Young Mary sitting on the side.
Carol: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” #150, verses 1 and 3 (musician)
We Pray
Christmas Day Prayers(pastor) Beloved Author of all Life, and Source of all that is Truly Good, on this Christmas morning we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ – not only in Bethlehem thousands of years ago, but if it is Your will, born again in our hearts on this very day.
Long we have awaited the arrival of angels bringing Good News that You have removed whatever plagues us. We forget that You are not Santa Clause to our childish wishes. You are the Great I Am who constantly calls forth from us what is needed for all to thrive.
In the way of Young Mary, we ask a blessing upon the brave young ones who are doing radical work, co-birthing with You, a kinder, sustainable, healing way forward.
In the way of Old Joseph, we ask a blessing upon the righteous old ones who are setting aside the past to apply seasoned wisdom to new situations with new tools.
In the way of the Terrified Shepherds, we ask a blessing upon all who labor long and are weary, yet hopefully, go to greet You when Good News is delivered.
On this Holy Day, in this Sanctified Place, amid the Beloved Community, enwrapped by Sacred Story we each arrive with our own private joys and concerns. Holy One, hear our silent, private prayers.
(long silence)
The Lord’s Prayer(pastor) And now, as we have physically gathered in one place, may we also spiritually gather by saying a common prayer together, the prayer Jesus Christ taught us to pray. Amen.
Special Music
Act Three: “An Angel of the Lord and Angelic Multitude”
Narrator: We need to do a bit of casting before continuing on with our story. Everyone will have a part. You have two choices: 1) to be a Shepherd which requires making sheep sounds and looking terrified, OR 2) to be part of the Angelic Multitude which requires a little speaking and singing and looking thrilled. So, Shepherds: hands up and make a “baaaaa” sound. Thank you! Angelic Multitude: hands up and say “Praise God!” Thank you!
Angels with bags of unlit halos pass out unlit halos to everyone who doesn’t have one – or at least one per household.
Narrator: “It was the evening of Jesus’s birth. In fields nearby, Shepherds were living and keeping watch over their flock by night.”
Shepherds make sheep sounds and look around.
An Angel of the Lord walks up the aisle to the middle of the sanctuary.
Narrator: “And then, An Angel of the Lord stood before the Shepherds and their sheep.”
An Angel of the Lord turns on many unlit halos. Move them about, turn around to look at everyone. Be a spectacle.
Narrator: “The Glory of the Lord shone brightly all around them and the Shepherds were terrified!”
Shepherds be terrified!
Narrator: “Noticing their terror, An Angel of the Lord sought to assure the Shepherds.”
An Angel of the Lord: “Don’t be afraid, Dear Ones. Behold – I am bringing you Good News of Great Joy for all people! To you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord!”
Joseph and Mary, carrying Baby Jesus (a bundle with a lit halo on it), walk to the center two chairs on the dais and sit down. They take care of Baby Jesus as the story continues.
An Angel of the Lord: “Dear Ones, this will be a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
Narrator: “And, suddenly, there is with the angel a Multitude of the Heavenly Hosts!”
Angelic Multitude angels turn on your halos and place them on your heads.
Narrator: “And the Angelic Multitude praises God!”
“Praise God!” (angels repeat)
and they sang (Joy to the World tune):
“Glory to God…” (angels repeat)
“in the highest heav’n…” (angels repeat)
“and peace…” (angels repeat)
“on earth…” (angels repeat)
“for all!” (angels repeat)
An Angel of the Lord walks down the aisle to the back joining “Gabriel” and “The Angel of the Lord” if they were played by different folks.
Narrator: “When the angels had left and gone into heaven, the shepherds spoke among themselves. They decided to go, immediately, to Bethlehem to behold the wondrous thing God had just made known to them. “
Shepherdsturn on their halos and place them on their heads.
Carol: “Joy to the World” #143, verses 1-3 (musician)
During the last verse, some Shepherds and speaking part Angels bring up donated items for the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center placing them around Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.
Offering Prayer (pastor) Jesus Christ tells us that whatever we do for our neighbors in need, these acts are done to him, too. On this Christmas morning, we honor the Living Christ with these things needed by our homeless neighbors served by the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center down the street from our church.
Please extend your hands in a gesture of blessing sending Big Love into these items. Thank you. Let us bless these items:
On this Christmas morn as we celebrate Jesus Christ, may we also embody the Big Love Christ came to earth to teach us. Holy God, may it be Your spirit that fills these needful things and continually calls us to care for each other as we would care for Your son, Jesus Christ. Transform all of us, everywhere, with Christmas Holy Wonder. Amen.
Offering Our Praise “Doxology”(musician; all)
We Transition
Announcements (pastor)
Next Sunday: New Year’s Day. Sing-a-long lay-led worship service
Sunday, January 8th: Guest Minister
Pastor Kathryn on vacation until January 10th
Carol: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” #153, verses 1-2 & 4 (musician)
Reading: “Advent Blessing” by Ann Weems (pastor and Esther Lee)
“It is not over, this birthing, There are always newer skies into which God can throw stars.
When we begin to think that we can predict the Advent of God, that we can box the Christ in a stable in Bethlehem that’s just the time that God will be born in a place we can’t image and won’t believe.
Those who wait for God watch with their hearts and not their eyes, listening, always listening, for angel words.” (aw)
Benediction (pastor) Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward All! Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!
Postlude (musician)
The service is concluded.
Worship Resources:
(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.
(aw) Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem. Line breaks changed.
Preparations for this Pop-Up Readers Theater Play
In Advance:
prepare scripts for key roles (if folks want to practice)
secure volunteers for key roles (OR cast everyone at the beginning of the service)
assemble props before Christmas week. (Order halos early! We like “Feather Crown Headband Luminous with 10 LED Lights” from Amazon)
Casting
Scripted speaking parts: Narrator; Young Mary; Gabriel; The Angel of the Lord; An Angel of the Lord – one person could play more than one part
Scripted acting part: Old Joseph
Everyone else involved, pop-up parts – no scripts needed
Narrator may give verbal stage directions to cast members
Sanctuary Set-up:
two empty chairs, together, in the center of the dais
two empty chairs, together, over to one side
specific cast props placed where needed
shelter donations ready to move upfront
Props:
one bag with unlit halos for each speaking-part Angel, up to three
halos for everyone, if possible – definitely for main cast; if halos light up, be sure to pull protective strip out before attempting to turn on
scarf for Mary
blanket for Joseph
Baby Jesus wrapped in a bundle
Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!
Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!
Online Publishing Date: December 9, 2022.
Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!
Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!
For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”
“Every human act, every Christian act, is an act of hope. But that means you must be men and women of the present, you must live this moment – really live it, not just endure it – because this very moment, for all its imperfection and frustration, because of its imperfection and frustration, is pregnant with the future, is pregnant with love, is pregnant with Christ.”– Walter J. Burghardt, 20th-century American theologian and preacher
Prelude(musician)
Pastor’s Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! Welcome to worship this 3rd Sunday of Advent. Our Advent-Christmas theme this year is “Holy Wonder.”
No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! Welcome guests.
Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We are blessed by this sacred worship space located on unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people. We honor the past and face the future in peace with hope.
Liturgist’s Welcome and Acknowledgements (liturgist)
As Pastor Kathryn lights the Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. (pastor lights votives while musician plays; liturgist, after votive candles are lit and music concluded, please continue)
Today’s…
Flowers: available for dedication
Worship Team: Musician Vicky Jennings;Liturgist Darlene Hamady; Advent Wreath Sienna Huie, Leilee MacArthur and Brandon Huie; Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.
(Advent Wreath lighters/readers come up; liturgist sits down)
Advent Wreath Reading and Candles(Advent Wreath reader/s) On this Third Sunday of Advent, may we open to Holy Wonder hearing from Christian theologian Karl Rahner. Rahner, speaking to his own heart, affirms God’s abundant goodness, not unlike Jesus’s mother, Mary.
“Ask not, doubt not. You have, my heart, already chosen the joy of Advent. As a force against your own uncertainty, bravely tell yourself: It is the Advent of the great God.
Say this with faith and love, and then both the past of your life, which has become holy, and your life’s eternal, boundless future, will draw together in the now of this world.
For then into the heart comes to the one who is Advent, the boundless future, who is already in the process of coming, the Lord, who has already come into the time of flesh to redeem it.” (kr)
We light the First, Second, and Third Candles of Advent – expectant and eager to encounter Holy Wonder. (Light THREE Advent Candles)
Opening Hymn: “Awake, Awake! And Greet the New Morn!” #138, all 3 verses(musician)
Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace; pastor)
Time for Children “God-Given Hope” God puts hope in our hearts. (pastor)
We Rest in God’s Grace
Prayer and Silence (pastor) Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.
Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)
Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)
Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)
Be still. (Breathe slowly)
Be. (Breathe slowly)
(Breathe in silence) Amen.
Assurance of Grace (pastor) Dear Ones, just as Isaiah spoke of blooming deserts outrageously coming to life, this Advent week Jesus’s mother proclaims an extravagant faith in God’s commitment to the well-being of all humanity, trusting that what is coming has, on some level, already arrived.
Holy Wonder is a state of grace where the soul perceives God’s eternal coming to us long before we witness it. This Advent, as we await the re-birth of Christ, let us do so asking God to grant us the grace of Holy Wonder – in the way of Prophet Isaiah, in the way of Jesus’ mother Mary – faith that what is coming has already been given. Amen. (kms)
Special Music (musician)
We Listen
Scripture: Luke 1:50-55 (version: CEB; liturgist) Young Mary, speaking to her Auntie Elizabeth about the Good Things God is doing:
God shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors God. God has shown strength with God’s arm. God has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. God has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. God has come to the aid of servant Israel, remembering divine mercy, just as God promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and Sarah, and to their descendants forever.”
May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.
Reflection: “God’s Goodness and Our Hope” (pastor)God’s dream for a just human community is foundational.Being open to Holy Wonder opens us to hope and faith in divine justice and communal healing before it occurs.
Reflection Hymn: “Come, O Long-expected Jesus” #125, both verses (musician)
We Pray
Prayer Requests (pastor; all)
Pastoral Prayer (pastor) Beloved Source of All Life, Light, and Love, we easily bring our concerns to You asking You to act. Today, we ask not for YOUR attention, but for our own. May we witness glimpses, physically and mystically, of what You are already doing. May new sparks of hope and faith flare up inviting us to join in Your good works for the well-being of life on earth, blessed by the dreams of heaven. Amen. (kms)
Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer(pastor)
Offering Our Praise “Doxology”(musician; all)
We Transition
Announcements (pastor)
Next Sunday: “Holy Wonder” Advent continues – with Joseph!
Senior Center Tues December 20th
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services this year
Closing Hymn: “What Child Is This” #162, all 3 verses(musician)
Benediction (pastor) Beloved Siblings, as Advent unfolds may our souls experience Holy Wonder. May we understand, seeing with the clear vision of the Holy Spirit, that God is always up to good. Christ is on the way again! May God bless us with Holy Wonder! May we go forth in peace with hope. Amen.
Postlude (musician)
The service is concluded.
Worship Resources:
(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.
Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!
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Online Publishing Date: December 6, 2022.
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in the big love 