The archangel emerges as the introduction to Gloria in Excelsis Deo begins . . . she begins her beautiful ballet using the entire center aisle. The young cherubim arrive, fluttering with excitement as they are brought forward by the archangel to see the baby Jesus. The seraphim also come to pay homage to the baby Jesus and bring light to show others the way. During the final verse of Angels We Have Heard on High, the archangel takes her place on top of the angel stand, the seraphim on either side where all overlook the newborn Christ child. The young cherubim are seated around Mary and all are in awe as to what has occurred.
In Luke 2:8-20 we hear of shepherds in the fields of Judea, people of God’s holy earth. The lowly shepherds are the first to hear of the birth of Christ and are led to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. They seek with their lanterns during the beautiful carol Love Came Down at Christmas. In awe at what they see in the manger in Bethlehem, they reverently bow to their Lord as they come forward to worship the Christ Child.
Listen! The rustle of the antique cymbal players tell us that something is about to happen! The Star of the East appears . . . the gong sounds. . . and the Journey of the Magi begins to the beautiful Winter Solstice Carol. As the Schola Cantorum sings We Three Kings, the adorned Magi come forward with their gifts for the Christ Child.
During the beautiful hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, the people return and they are drawn to the altar. People from everywhere come forward and gaze in amazement at the miracle that has come to pass. The highest king and the lowliest shepherd are united. Young and old walk together. God has come down to each of these persons and each of them reach up to God.
O, Come All Ye Faithful – young and old, rich and poor, wise and simple – offer their hearts to the Christ Child as we sing this beautiful carol. After all recess, the young Sprite quietly enters and with the Friar, takes the Light of Christ out of the Worship Center. We are invited to reflect on the hope given to us in the birth of Christ and to take that hope out into the world.
Soli deo Gloria – to God alone by the Glory!
