Worship Tools #
Worship Outline #
Additional Scriptures
Psalm 96, Luke 2:1-20, Titus 2:11-14
Prelude
Welcome and Sharing Community Joys and Concerns
Call to Worship
Four 4 readers—This reading will be used again during the Prayer for Peace.
Reader 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Reader 2: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
Reader 3: For a child has been born for us,
Reader 4: A son given to us.
Reader 3: Authority rests upon his shoulders.
Reader 2: And he is named
ALL 4: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace.
Reader 1: His authority shall grow continually,
Reader 2: and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
Reader 3: He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
Reader 4: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Reader 3: For a child has been born for us,
Reader 2: A son given to us.
Reader 1: Authority rests upon his shoulders.
Reader 2: And he is named ALL 4: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father Prince of Peace.
—based on Isaiah 9:2-7
Hymn of Gathering
“Angels, from the Realms of Glory” CCS 436
OR “Joy to the World” CCS 408
OR “O Come, All Ye Faithful” CCS 431
Invocation
Advent Candles
“Hope is a Light” CCS 398
During the first stanza light the candle of hope, during the second stanza light the candle of peace, during the third stanza, light the candle of Joy, fourth stanza light the candle of love. During the fifth stanza, light the Christ Candle.
Statement
We have been marking the season of advent, as we anticipate and prepare for the coming Christ, with our candles of joy, hope, love, and peace.
Today we light the candle of Christ.
Jesus is born in us today. We pause in this season, especially today, amongst its busyness of presents, meal preparations, time with family and loved ones to really remember Christ. God made flesh, to show us the way to God. To live out the kingdom of God. To challenge systems of oppression and injustice.
To show us a way to joy, hope, love, and peace. Joy for the oppressed and enslaved. Hope for the lost and the broken. Love for the marginalized and unlovable. Peace for a world in need of compassion and healing. Light in us this same flame that challenges the worlds we live in to bring about joy, hope, love, and peace for all people.
Activity
This can either be done in small groups or as a large group focusing on the children first for answers. Remember, if you have a hybrid or online service, plan for those online who want to participate. Provide opportunities for them to share.
Supplies for Small Groups: large piece of paper for each group, markers
Supplies for Large Groups: large paper mounted where the whole group can see it; markers
Small group instruction: You are going to have 5 minutes to write down everything you know, or you think you know, about the Christmas story. Put in as many details as you can think of. Dot points are fine, and it doesn’t need to be in order. For example, a baby was born.
OR Large group instruction: We are going to have 5 minutes to write everything we know, or think we know, about the Christmas story. Put in as many details as you can think of. Dot points are fine, and it doesn’t need to be in order. For example, a baby was born.
If using small groups, have each group share what they have written with the large group.
Process together: What do we really know?
The Christmas story is an interesting one. So much of what we ‘know,’ or the created image in our heads, about the story has been generated out of popular culture, songs, Christmas cards, or adaption into our own time and culture.
There might be many things on your lists that aren’t based in the story told by scripture. Did Jesus cry that first night? Are the wisemen visiting a brand-new baby, looking clean and smelling daisy fresh after their months on camels tracking a star? Did Mary need to find emergency accommodation on the road as the baby was coming? Are Mary and Joseph in a barn around the back, surrounded by all straw and all manner of farm animals and shepherds?
Truthfully, it doesn’t really matter if there were donkeys, or chickens, or a room filled with straw or not. It doesn’t matter if there were crowns on the heads of the wise men, or if they smelt like camels. It doesn’t matter if they visited with a squishy newborn or a wriggly toddler.
What matters and what we celebrate at this time is that a baby was born who grew into a man; who refused to stand silent to oppression and injustice; who taught those around him a new way to love; who continued to teach this way to love even when his own life was threatened; who loved as God loves – indiscriminately, whole heartedly, and unselfishly.
Invite people, where possible, to move around the room offering each other Christmas blessings. Be sure everyone is included.
Our prayer on this Christmas Day is that we might be full of Christmas love – loving as Jesus taught. And that it might continue all year round. Amen.
Christmas Hymn
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” CCS 434
OR “The First Noël” CCS 424
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Scripture Reading
Repeat the Call to Worship reading based on Isaiah 9:2-7.
Prayer
God of Grace and Wonder,
This day we celebrate the birth of your Son. The day he came and walked and taught amongst humanity and changed the world as we know it.
We celebrate the lessons he taught on how to care for our neighbor, even when that neighbor is someone who we should despise. He taught us to welcome and love all people, even when they are outcasts, and sinners, and society says we should turn our backs on them. He taught us to stand up for what is right and just even when it means confronting systems of abuse and oppression. Even when doing so can challenge our own safety and status in society.
Jesus declared he was here to proclaim good news to the poor. He was sent to bring freedom to those help captive. To return sight to the blind. To release the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Help us, O Lord, to seek ways as Christ did. To transform the world we live in by challenging systems of oppression and injustice. To love and welcome all people. To care for our neighbor.
This is our prayer, this Christmas day, in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
—Kassandra Unger, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hymn of Peace
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” CCS 415
OR “Silent Night! Holy Night!/Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!” CCS 421
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
Message
Relate Isaiah 9:2-7 with the Christmas Story, Luke 2:1-20
Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn
“Star-Child” CCS 420
OR “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” CCS 437
Disciples’ Generous Response
Reading: “In the Bleak Midwinter” stanza 4 CCS 422 read by a child
Statement
Christ’s birth brought light into the world. Not just through the new star in the sky that the magi followed but in the form of hope to a people feeling lost and oppressed. Christ still brings that light, but challenges each of us to also bring and carry that hope.
While this time of receiving the offering focuses on giving to the ministries and needs of the church a disciple’s generous response stretches far beyond this place. That we might truly open our eyes and see those hurting and in need and be moved to respond with compassion and love. As you give today may you also find ways to share Christ’s joy, hope, love and peace with others.
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Sending Forth Hymn
“Joseph, Kind Joseph” CCS 414
OR “No Obvious Angels” CCS 418
OR “Angels We Have Heard on High” CCS 427
Benediction
Postlude
Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline #
Gathering
Welcome
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Mother of Peace,
We rejoice on this Christmas day, for Mary has brought new life, new hope, new joy, and new love into a lamenting world in the form of your son, Jesus!
Jesus: a baby in need of nurture, holding, cradling, swaddling.
Jesus: a baby so tiny and soft yet bursting with possibility and strength!
Jesus: the hope of the world!
May the seemingly impossible and yet absolutely ordinary creation of a new baby inspire us to strive for peace in our towns and stables.
Peace: a seedling in need of nurture.
Peace: a seedling so tiny yet bursting with possibility!
Peace: the hope of the world!
May we lean on you the way a mother leans on a midwife. May we guide peace into being the way a midwife guides a mother. And may we rejoice in peace the way we rejoice in the birth of your son Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
Amen.
—Tiffany and Caleb Brian
Spiritual Practice
Praying Liturgical Prayer
Give each person a copy of the prayer. Invite the group to read the prayer aloud with you.
God of glory,
Your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem,
where the Light of the world is humbly born
into the darkness of human night.
Open our eyes to Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world,
so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice,
and defenders of all for whom there is no room.
Amen.
—https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=54
Sharing Around the Table
Isaiah 9:2–7 NRSVue
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
“For a child has been born for us” (Isaiah 9:6). Of all verses associated with Christmas, perhaps this invokes the tenderest feelings. But, through the exhaustion of Christmas shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, caroling, gatherings with friends and family—of being awakened far too early by children eager for their gifts, it is easy to lose sight. Then, amid torn wrapping paper strewn across the floor, the magic of the season begins as spirited young actors, donning bathrobes and construction paper beards, assemble to offer a passionate rendition of the nativity story underneath a cardboard cutout Star of David—that is, until the family dog, unwillingly dressed as a sheep, knocks the blanket-and-chair manger down and the scene becomes chaos.
Hope, love, joy, and peace amid the chaos of life is the Christmas message. Through all the commotion (and joy), it’s easy to lose sight of what the nativity meant to those who had nothing—those living under oppressive occupation, awaiting the advent of an anointed king from the House of David who would reclaim the throne of Jerusalem and set everything right.
The coronation ritual in Isaiah 9:2–7 fits perfectly with the circumstances of the nativity centuries later. It is little wonder early Christians applied Isaiah’s announcement of royal birth to the newborn Messiah. The passage references a dark time for Israel and Judah. Assyria had begun systematically taking over the region. Within a few years, Judah would become a resident captive and Israel would be no more.
The birth of Hezekiah signaled a new period of peace, justice, righteousness, and the restoration of Davidic rule. In both ages, people longed for freedom from oppression and they looked for a king, or Messiah, to rise and restore Israel to political autonomy.
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Judah was resident captive to Rome. Herod, who was not in the line of David, sat on Jerusalem’s throne. Marginalized people, like the shepherds in Luke, yearn for the kind of liberation celebrated in this Isaiah passage. How fitting that we celebrate this story of new light after having passed through the darkest day of winter. Light is slowly beginning to triumph over our darkest days.
The “great light” represents the presence of God and the approach of hope, love, joy, and peace amid chaos. But the “great light” does not vanquish the darkness from the world. Jesus did not fulfill expectations that he would come to fix everything. Christ’s birth did not free us from the responsibility of doing the hard work of peacemaking and establishing justice. Instead, Jesus revealed the way of God that would do more than restore the throne of Israel—he revealed the way to heal our broken world.
The incarnation is the mystery of God in a real, human child, birthed into the real world with all its agonies, challenges, and joys. As we look upon the nativity, let us rest our gaze on the shepherds who made their way through the darkness towards the great light, towards the Hope of the world—the Blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ the Peaceful One.
Questions
- How have you wanted God to simply “fix things?” In what unexpected ways did you discover God present with you?
- We still live in a time of darkness. War, oppression, injustice, poverty, and disease surround us. In what ways do you see the “great light” (God’s presence) in the world?
- In what ways have you found walking towards the “great light” to be transformative in your life?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
This offering prayer for Advent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
God who is faithful,
Be present with us as we plan our spending. May we use our resources to build healthy, happy relationships with you, others, and the Earth. May we remember the teachings of Jesus that challenge us to make lifestyle choices counter to our culture of accumulation and excess.
Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 419, “Silvery Star, Precious Star”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, was born today; leading the walk in the way of truth; showing us how to love and serve one another. In the birth of Jesus, we recognize God’s great love. In the sacramental act of sharing Communion, we remember the gift of Jesus Christ to our world.
On this Christmas Day, our experience of being together as we share in Communion is an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community.
Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.
Invitation to Communion
All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 527, “Bread of the World.”
Blessing and serving bread and wine.
Thoughts for Children
Jesus’ Christmas Star
Note: This Christmas activity can be a continuation of the Advent season, if you incorporte it during Advent.
Materials:
- A poster board or cloth with attached stars from the weeks of Advent (or create for today)
- Small Christmas tree (about 2 feet tall) or a tree cut from poster board
- Large star with “Jesus” written on it
- Tape or pins to attach the star to poster board/cloth
Show the poster/cloth with all the stars.
Say:
Look at all the stars we added to our night sky as we have waited for Jesus to come. Now we add the final star, the Star of Bethlehem.
[Show the large, Jesus star.]
This star appeared in the sky when Jesus was born. [Add star to board/cloth.]
Today let’s take the stars from the Advent sky and place them on our Christmas tree. As we do this, we will remember all the ways we can help bring hope, peace, love, and joy into the world.
[Enlist adults to help smaller children transfer stars to the little tree.]
Sermon Helps #
Exploring the Scripture
Biblical texts do not stand alone. They build on one another. Here is an example: In 2 Samuel 7:1–17, God promises to bless King David’s offspring and establish the kingdom of David forever. All previous covenants depended on obedience to God. But here, God promises to love the people even if they are disobedient. It is a new unconditional promise. Isaiah reminded the people of that promise in today’s scripture passage. In 734 BCE, God’s people were suffering the anguish of conquest by the Assyrians. In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, the prophet tells the people the horrors of war and oppression are a result of their sins. But after describing God’s judgment, the prophet reminds them several times of Samuel’s promise to David. Isaiah 9:2–7 is one reminder. The people may feel despair and pain, but God has not abandoned them. God’s everlasting covenant is to love them and to establish the throne of David for all time. This covenant is the Messianic hope and signals the growth of a theology of grace.
In ancient times, the people used the term Messiah for all the anointed kings of Israel and Judah. It means “anointed one.” Although Isaiah 9:2–7 is a proclamation of a future messiah, it is unclear whether Isaiah meant a new royal prince or a future vision of the ideal Davidic king. This passage begins with the darkness of war and destruction. Then comes a vision of light and life. A time will come when the people celebrate, for three reasons: (1) oppression has ended, (2) the garments of war have been destroyed, and (3) a new royal child has been born. Isaiah describes the new king with ambitious, ideal titles. The new king will provide wisdom to his subjects. He will enjoy the strength that only God can give. The king will love his people like a father. He will bring peace and prosperity to the nation. They are lofty titles, but not meant to be supernatural terms. Isaiah affirms the king will establish justice and righteousness because he is faithful to God. The passage points toward the future with a reminder the promise stands forever.
It isn’t surprising that Christians applied this scripture to the newborn Messiah. The opening verse focuses attention on Galilee, the homeland of Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew 4:15–16 quotes Isaiah 9:1–2, inferring that the oppression under Assyrian rule was similar to suffering under Roman rule. Here is one more layer of meaning added to the scripture passage. The characteristics of the new royal child take on divine proportions. In Isaiah 9:6, the wise counselor becomes the Wonderful Counselor to all peoples. The one with divinely given might becomes Mighty God. The king who cares for his people like a father is now seen as God the Everlasting Father. The prince who brings peace to his nation becomes the Prince of Peace who ushers in the end of war for all time and invites all people into God’s reign of peace, righteousness, and justice.
For Christians throughout the ages, the poetic words of Isaiah fit the advent, life, and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. Each Christmas we celebrate the coming of light into our darkness, and the advent of the Christ-child as our beloved Savior and Prince of Peace.
Central Ideas
- God’s promise of a messiah was unconditional—founded on love, grace, and forgiveness.
- By faith, we proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as fulfilling this unconditional promise.
- What might have begun as a poem of praise for a newborn prince of ancient times, has become a hymn of praise for Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace (and justice).
Questions for the Speaker
- How do you sometimes put conditions on God’s love and God’s promise to be with us and bless us?
- What is your testimony of Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Prince of Peace?
- If you were to write a poem of praise that would express your hope for God’s kingdom and fulfilling God’s covenant with you, what would you say?
- Where do you see God’s Spirit working in the world to bring about peace and justice this Christmas?
Lessons #
Adult Lesson #
Focus Scripture Passage
Isaiah 9:2–7
Lesson Focus
Jesus’s birth inspires praise and promise.
Objectives
The learners will…
- explore the connection between the prophetic words of Isaiah 9:2–7 and the birth of Jesus.
- discuss how later counsel illuminates being “doers” by acting on prophetic promises and not just on being “hearers.”
- create a personal plan to help Jesus’s birth become the catalyst for participating in God’s plan for the world.
Supplies
- Video, CD, or audio file of chorus number 12 of Handel’s Messiah, “For Unto Us a Child is Born”
- Battery-operated tea lights, votive lights, or regular tea lights and lighter (enough for everyone in class), alternatively, have one large candle visible to everyone
- Bible and additional copies of Isaiah 9:2–7 as needed
- Board or flip chart, marker
- Christmas cards (enough for everyone to have one), pens or pencils
Notes to Teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 9:2–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 26–27, available through Herald House.
Gather
Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)
Play the recording of the song “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from Handel’s Messiah.
The lyrics for this song came from Isaiah 9:6. The reference to the child to be born came from the Davidic kingly history and in this setting in Isaiah foretold the birth of a Messiah, an ideal king for a beleaguered people.
Invite class members to close their eyes and listen while you read the focus text from Isaiah. Ask them to raise their hand briefly when they hear the words used in the choral piece played earlier from Messiah.
Invite them to open their eyes. Confirm which part of the scripture was used in the choral piece.
Engage
Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)
Distribute Bibles or copies of the scripture text so each person has one to read.
When using candles during Advent, today—Christmas Day—is the time to light the fifth and final candle, which represents the birth of Jesus. Brightness increased each of the preceding four Sundays and culminates today. Like the people who walked in darkness in what Isaiah wrote, we have walked in darkness and now the light has shined on us.
Invite class members to silently read Isaiah 9:2–7.
Discuss:
- What is the overall theme of verses 3–4?
- What is the future referenced in verse 7?
- If you were living in Judah after the northern kingdom of Israel had been annexed to the Assyrian empire and the stability of your Judean kingdom was in peril, what would be your feelings when hearing these words?
- In what way might the text—which was part of the kingly tradition, referring to the accession of king Hezekiah—be interpreted to point toward Jesus?
Respond
Takes the learners from hearing to doing (35% of lesson time)
Many of us hope for change in the society in which we live to resemble more closely what is described in Isaiah 9:5 and 7. The problem, as noted by biblical scholar Rev. Geoffrey M. St. John Hoare, is that we have the desire that things will be different but also some kind of vague hope that we won’t have to do anything but welcome it.
Community of Christ scripture points to us to prepare for and participate in advocating for an end to hostilities between people and nations, and for working for righteous justice.
Doctrine and Covenants 140:5c. “The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies. (April 7, 1947)
Doctrine and Covenants 155:8. “The call is for workers in the cause of Zion; therefore, neither tarry, nor doubt that I am. I know your perplexities and I am aware of your uncertainties, but if you will call upon my name my Spirit will go before you into whatsoever place you are sent and I will continue to bless you as you have need. (March 29, 1982)
Doctrine and Covenants 156:11. “Dear Saints, have courage for the task which is yours in bringing to pass the cause of Zion. Prepare yourselves through much study and earnest prayer. Then, as you go forth to witness of my love and my concern for all persons, you will know the joy which comes from devoting yourselves completely to the work of the kingdom. To this end will my Spirit be with you.” (April 3, 1984)
Invite class participants to explore ideas about how to become willing to be involved in working for the cause of Zion, the peaceful reign of God. Write brief summaries of the ideas on the board or flip chart.
Send
Explores how the lesson might be lived (10% of lesson time)
Hand out Christmas cards and pens or pencils.
Ask people to use one of the ideas just discussed to create an action step they would personally be willing to implement this coming year, as a gift to the One who has been born to us. Suggest that they write their idea on the Christmas card without signing their name and explain that you will collect the cards to review during the next class session.
Collect the completed cards to use next Sunday.
Give a tea light or battery-operated votive candle to each person as they hand in a Christmas card. Alternatively, light the large candle and place it where it is visible to everyone. Invite members to light their candle (or light the large one) and suggest this symbolizes that we no longer walk in darkness, we have seen a great light.
Bless
Time of prayer, praise, blessing, and hope (5% of lesson time)
For a moment of blessing, invite people to focus on the candlelight while listening to you read the words of the Christmas hymn, “Holy Night, Blessed Night” CCS 410.
Youth Lesson #
Focus Scripture Passage
Isaiah 9:2–7
Lesson Focus
The birth of Jesus is the coming of God’s peaceful reign on earth.
Objectives
The learners will…
- celebrate the birth of Christ.
- discover how God offers an alternate reality of peace.
- explore the Mission Initiative Abolish Poverty, End Suffering.
Supplies
- 3D glasses or a picture of glasses that has one red and one blue lens
- Paper and pencil, pens, or crayons
- Board or large surface for writing, marker
- Bible
- Access for watching the video Hallelujah—Handel’s Messiah—The Beyond the Walls Choir https://youtu.be/elI8W37PYWA
Notes to Teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 9:2–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 26–27, available through Herald House.
Gather
Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)
Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the finale of the Advent season, the birth of Christ!
Over the last four weeks we have explored the Advent themes of peace, hope, joy, and love described in scriptures. Jesus has been born to Mary and Joseph to bring about God’s peace, hope, joy, and love in the world.
Share the video Hallelujah—Handel’s Messiah—The Beyond the Walls Choir https://youtu.be/elI8W37PYWA
Discuss: What tone does this song carry? Can you sense the celebration threaded in the chorus?
Engage
Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)
The Advent season is finished as we now celebrate the long-anticipated birth of Jesus. This week’s scripture passage invites readers into a celebration of the upside-down kingdom of God that is found in Jesus. Isaiah uses meaningful metaphors to communicate the joy that will be known in Jesus.
Read Isaiah 9:2–7.
In this scripture passage, Isaiah proclaims good news and celebration. Those who have been living in darkness will receive light, war will turn to peace. These metaphors call us to see the world in two ways at the same time. On one hand, Isaiah sees and describes the darkness that continues to exist around us, and yet, he also proclaims immense joy and celebration. Isaiah’s vision describes how God’s future kingdom breaks into our own dark realities and brings freedom and peace.
3D viewing glasses (in which one lens is blue and one lens is red) can be a helpful way of understanding God’s in-breaking future in the middle of the difficulties in our world. In one lens, perhaps the red, we see our current reality as we know it. We see war, poverty, and suffering. Yet, in the other lens, we see God’s promises being fulfilled and a new order being born. We see the promise of Christ’s birth being fulfilled. As Christ followers, we are called to see through both lenses at the same time. This gives us an added depth of joy, hope, love, and peace in which we are free to celebrate even before the full coming of God’s reign. We look in one eye to see the realities of the world and in the other to see the coming peaceable reign of God. Despite the difficulties, we have seen enough to participate in the joy and peace of Christ even before it is fully revealed around us.
Isaiah also uses metaphors to describe the power of God coming in the birth of Jesus. He will be a wise counselor, a mighty God, a providing father, and the one who brings peace. Jesus will be a king like no other we have seen. He will be just, and his people will receive justice.
[3D lens metaphor adapted from Patrick W. T. Johnson, “Homiletical Perspective,” Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year A, Volume 1, (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010) p. 101]
Respond
Takes the learners from hearing to doing (35% of lesson time)
Identify the metaphors used in our scripture passage from Isaiah which describe what we might see in the lens that is focused on the darkness of the world, such as: the yoke of their burden, the rod of the oppressor.
Identify the metaphors used in our scripture passage which describe the joy found in the coming reign of God at the birth of Jesus. Which of these do we see in the other lens? (rejoicing be fore the harvest, light in the land of deep darkness and others )
Using the list of metaphors you created together, ask pairs of youth to write one new metaphor for each lens. One metaphor represents the difficulties of our current world (war, poverty, hung er ) and one to represent the lens that allows us to see how God’s reign is breaking in despite the darkness. If your group is small, you may choose to work as a large group to create these metaphors.
Send
Explores how the lesson might be lived (10% of lesson time)
The Advent journey is finished. We have explored how God’s promises are made and fulfilled across the scriptures and in our world.
A Community of Christ Mission Initiative—Abolish Poverty, End Suffering—speaks to our role in God’s kingdom. We fulfill God’s ultimate vision as we: help those who hurt, feed the hungry, support compassionate ministries, and respond in times of crisis.
Isaiah’s vision keeps one eye on God’s coming reign and one eye on the world’s distress. We are called to see the world both as it is and as it can be. Discuss how this Enduring Principles calls us to take part in bringing about God’s reign on earth celebrated and made known in the birth of Jesus.
Bless
Time of prayer, praise, blessing, and hope (5% of lesson time)
Listen again to Hallelujah—Handel’s Messiah—The Beyond the Walls Choir on YouTube
Envision Isaiah’s scripture selection: The people are celebrating the birth of Jesus, which will bring about God’s ultimate peaceable reign in which there will someday be no suffering, and there will be light for the darkness.
Children’s Lesson #
Focus Scripture Passage
Isaiah 9:2–7
Lesson Focus
Jesus came as the Prince of Peace and brought light to the world.
Objectives
The learners will…
- participate in a birthday party for Jesus.
- understand Jesus came to show how God wants us to live by singing, “Jesus Is Coming, Let’s Celebrate.”
- play non-competitive Musical Chairs to familiarize themselves with Isaiah 9:6.
- make party hats using names for Jesus.
- receive an item to represent Jesus and use it as a reminder to share God’s peace, hope, joy, and love.
Supplies
- Wrapped box of items representing Jesus (See list from Lesson 1 under “Notes to teacher”)
- Way to display song lyrics and scripture verse (chart paper, whiteboard, computer, projector)
- Birthday party decorations (“Happy birthday” sign, streamers, latex-free balloons)
- Flashlight
- Way for the class to listen to a version of “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from Handel’s Messiah
- Light-colored, premade party hats (preferably without a slick surface) OR supplies to make one (30.5 x 30.5 cm / 12 x 12 in. light-colored cardstock or scrapbook paper, and elastic cord)
- Watercolor markers (pre-made party hats with a slick surface may require permanent markers and paint shirts)
- Optional: Additional party hat decorating items such as pom-poms, ribbons, stickers, and a hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Stapler
- Bible (NRSV) or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007, ISBN 9781551455471)
Notes to teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Isaiah 9:2–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 26–27, available through Herald House.
Ahead of Time
- Decorate your space to look like a birthday party. (See Gather section.)24
- If using premade party hats, carefully flatten them so it is easier to write on them. You can staple them together later.
- If children are creating their own party hats, copy, cut out, and put together two or more hat templates for children to trace (see end lesson). For younger children, place the template on a 30.5 x 30.5 cm / 12 x 12 in. piece of cardstock and trace around it ahead of time. (See detailed instructions for the pattern at the end of the lesson.)
- Write or type the text of Isaiah 9:6 (see Engage section) to display on a whiteboard, chart paper, or screen.
- In preparation for the non-competitive Musical Chairs game found in the Engage section, gather enough sturdy chairs, not folding chairs, for each child. If sturdy chairs are not available, use carpet squares or cardboard squares for safety.
Gather
Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)
Say: Merry Christmas! Does anyone notice anything different about our space today? (decorations) Yes, it looks like there’s going to be a birthday party. But wait, I thought we were supposed to decorate for Christmas with trees and lights? Why do you think it looks like a birthday party? (It’s Jesus’s birthday!) Since it’s not Advent anymore, we aren’t going to sing our Advent chorus, but we are going to sing the final Christmas-day verse.
Jesus Is Coming, Let’s Celebrate
(Sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
On this holy Christmas Day
Jesus still shows us the way
Born to help all people see,
Reflecting God to you and me.
On this holy Christmas Day
Jesus still shows us the way.
Say: Today is the day! Today we celebrate the birthday of Jesus who came to bring us God’s peace, hope, joy, and love! Even though Jesus lived a long time ago, Jesus’s teachings still show us the way God wants us to live today. At the end of class today we will open our final Christmas gift.
Engage #
Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)
Note: If possible, turn off the lights in your space. Be aware of children who are afraid of the dark and provide an option for them to stand near a doorway.
Say: Can you image how it would feel to be deep inside a cave and all you could see was darkness around you? Hopefully, you have never been so sad you felt like you were in a dark cave, but that’s how the people (Jews) in Isaiah’s time felt. Ralph Milton wrote a poem to retell the first four verses of today’s scripture passage. Listen to what Isaiah says will happen to their sad and dark feelings.
Ask for three volunteers, one to read each stanza of the poem on p. 52 of Lectionary Story Bible, Year A. (The bottom of the page is another passage.) Provide a flashlight for the first reader. As the child says, “great light,” turn on the overhead lights.
After they read, discuss how Isaiah shared God’s promise to be with the people, and they would see light and feel happy again. Every Christmas we celebrate the coming of light into our world with the birth of Jesus.
Say: In the second part of the passage, Isaiah told the people God would send someone who would be a great leader. Isaiah described this person as a king who would bring peace, love his people, be wise (smart), and have strength only God can give. The words from the Bible say: (show prepared display)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
—Isaiah 9:6, KJV
Many years after Isaiah said this, the followers of Jesus, who knew the Bible and Isaiah’s teachings, realized Jesus was the promised leader Isaiah talked about over 2,000 years before. Wow! God sure is amazing!
Non-competitive Musical Chairs
Play a game of non-competitive Musical Chairs using “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” from Handel’s Messiah. Note: Depending on the version chosen, the Isaiah 9:6 lyrics will not occur until about 1:15 into the song. Due to this, consider forwarding the song to at least the one-minute mark before the game begins. Some children may not be comfortable playing this game. Allow everyone the option to play or watch if they choose.
Before beginning, explain a Christmas tradition in some countries is to attend a concert where an orchestra plays and a choir sings George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Handel used the words from Isaiah 9:6 in one of his songs in Messiah. Encourage children to listen for the words while they play the game.
Make a circle with one chair for each child (or other marked location, as suggested above on number 5 under “Ahead of Time”). Remind children to have fun but be safe so they can continue playing.
Start playing the song “Unto Us a Child Is Born.” Stop the music to signal everyone should find a seat. At the end of each round remove a chair before restarting the music. Unlike traditional Musical Chairs, if someone cannot find a seat, they should share the chair or carefully sit on someone else’s lap. Based on time and the number of children, the game does not need to continue until everyone is in the same seat.
Respond
Takes the learners from hearing to doing (35% of lesson time)
At the center of Community of Christ’s beliefs is our commitment to follow Jesus. It is so important, the first four words of our church mission statement are, “We proclaim Jesus Christ.” Because of this belief, we celebrate this joyous day of Jesus’s birthday, which is why we decorated our space for his party.
Every birthday party feels more festive with a birthday hat. Give every child either a carefully flattened out premade party hat and complete only step 3, 4, 5, and 8, OR a 30.48 x 30.48 cm /12 x 12 in. light-colored piece of cardstock and complete steps 1–8 in order.
- Trace the hat template (created ahead of time; see end of lesson) on the back of the cardstock.
- Cut it out.
- Write on the front using ideas like “Happy birthday Jesus!” or phrases from today’s scripture passage such as “The Prince of Peace Is Born!” or “Happy Birthday Wonderful Counselor!”
- If desired, draw or add additional decorations.
- Fold the flat shape into a cone and staple it to hold it in place.
- Cut an elastic cord an extra 5 cm / 2 inches longer than needed and tie a knot in each end. (This cord is the chin strap.)
- Staple the cord in place on both sides of the hat using at least two staples per side.
- For a festive option, have an adult put a dot of hot glue on the point and glue on a pom-pom or curling ribbon.
Send
Explores how the lesson might be lived (10% of lesson time)
Ask a child to get the “Christmas Day” gift. (Rotate who gets to help with the gift each week.) Make predictions about what might be in the box before opening it. After opening, ask children to explain why they think that item is in the box. Give one item to every child. Explain they should place the item somewhere they will see it throughout the week to remind them Jesus was born to bring God’s peace, hope, joy, and love to the world, and they need to share God’s peace, hope, joy, and love with others.
Note: If possible, deliver the item to anyone not in attendance.
If time allows, sing today’s verse of “Jesus Is Coming, Let’s Celebrate” (see Gather section above). Remind the children Jesus came to be a reflection of God. Jesus still shows us the way God wants us to live.
Bless
Time of prayer, praise, blessing, and hope (5% of lesson time)
Have everyone put on their party hat and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Or change the words and sing “Happy Birthday” to the Prince of Peace as a reminder of God’s promise to take away the darkness and bring light to the world.
Party Hat Template
- Make a copy of the patterns on the pages below.
- Cut out each pattern along the solid lines, keeping the small square and the circle found on each pattern.
- Place the two patterns on a 12 x 12 in / 30.5 x 30.5 cm piece of cardstock so the squares and circles of each pattern are aligned. This will make a cone shape.
- Trace around the outside of the combined pattern. (It may help to tape the pieces together for easier tracing.)
- Create a dotted line on the template in the same location of the pattern.
- Staple the pattern together following the dotted line.