Reader: Luke 2:1, 3-4
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should by taxed, And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
Choir: Sings "O Little Town of Bethlehem" verse 1
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by:
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Reader: Luke 2:6-7
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Choir: Sings "Away in a Manger" verse 1
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Reader: Luke 2:8-9
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
Choir: Sings "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" verse 1
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."
Reader: Luke 2:15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Choir: Sings "O Come All Ye Faithful" verse 1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Reader: Luke 2:16
And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
Choir: Sings "Silent Night" verse 1
Silent Night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Reader: Matthew 2:1 & 2
And behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Choir: Sings "We Three Kings of Orient Are..." verse 1
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain--
Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Reader: Matthew 2:10-11
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Choir: Sings "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" verse 3
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."
The End