From Rev. Ben –
Please join us for an online service for Christmas Eve. Bring some candles, set up your preferred device, and join us at 5:30 PM when the service will premiere on YouTube! (We do recommend being ready at 5:30, but if you want to watch it later you are also welcome to do so).
This is a very different kind of service, weaving lessons, carols, and skits from our children and youth throughout the service. Our pageant this year is a series of skits, asking how the Christmas story would unfold if the characters were all staying safely apart, observing social distancing, and communicating by means of video messages. There are SO many people to thank. Below is a listing of all who have contributed, in the order of the service.
You can submit comments and prayer requests via our Comments Form at mpcfamily.org/comments . We’d love to hear from you!
If you are visiting today, we hope you’ll fill out our online Visitor Card at mpcfamily.org/hello .
View December 24th Christmas Eve Celebration online
- Kim Rankin plays all eight hands full of handchimes as our prelude, thanks to the miracle of technology.
- I (Talitha) will welcome everyone with an opening prayer.
- Carol: the McKiernan family (Steve, Megan, Hannah, and Carrie) along with Marcia Roy on organ will lead us in the opening hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful.” All lyrics will be provided on the video!
- Lesson: I will begin with the story of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1:26-55.
- Pageant Piece: Layla Saleem presents a video message from the angel Gabriel to Mary, and Myra Saleem presents a video message from Mary’s cousin Elizabeth.
- Lesson: Michael Aho reads Matthew 1:18-25.
- Pageant Piece: William Keys presents a video message from a very confused Joseph, and Layla Saleem, in her angelic role, sends a message to Joseph belatedly explaining it all.
- Carol: MPC Riot (Kim Rankin, Anna Santos, Julia Taylor Dunbar, and Talitha Aho) sing “Away in a Manger.”
- Lesson: Rev. Ben reads — or rather, recites — the Scripture passage from Luke 2:1-20.
- Pageant Piece: Millie Merlander delivers Caesar’s proclamation, and Dean Elia presents a video message from the manager of the Bethlehem Inn. Layla Saleem returns — this time with her mother Jennifer Hansen in tow — as the heavenly host announcing the good news to the shepherds. And Olivia Hoffman-Paul and her mother Amy Paul present a message from the shepherds (and sheep).
- Carol: Kim and Marcia lead us in singing “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
- Carrie McKiernan reads Matthew 2:1-12.
- Pageant Piece: the Zolezzi-Merlander children (Mara, Millie, and Aya… led by Mara) present the Magi’s message, and McKinley Gardner-Forbes presents Mary’s reflection on Jesus’ birth.
- Carol: Kel and Carlee Bowen and Leslie Louie lead us in singing “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”
- Rev. Ben’s sermon is titled “The Ghosts of Christmas Sermons Past.”
- Carol: Debbie Fallehy leads us in singing “Joy to the World!”
- Offertory: Annalise King (again, through the miracle of technology) plays four euphoniums at once, to the tune of “The First Nowell.” Please note that we are receiving the Christmas Joy Offering, which supports pastors in need and funds leadership development for communities of color. You may donate through MPC (electronically or by check) by putting Christmas Joy in the memo, or donate directly online: https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/christmas-joy/
- I will lead us in prayer.
- Our final carol, “Silent Night,” is a collaboration between me and Michael Aho, Norah and Justine Bessette-Denwood, and Melvie Koshgarian-Cash on violin.
- Ben sends us out with a benediction, and
- Our postlude, again by Annalise King, is “Joy to the World.”
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.