The Story of the First Christmas--Spoken Word Delivered by Lloyd D. Newell

The Story of the First Christmas

Delivered By: Natalie Cole

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be 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… To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.1 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 1 Luke 2:1, 3-14 Program #4187 Musical Selection: 1. Processional: Come, O Come 2. Come, All Ye Shepherds (Organ solo) 3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Natalie Cole) 4. Spoken Word 5. Angels from the Realms of Glory (Organ solo) 6. Angels from the Realms of Glory

Live Christmas--Spoken Word Delivered by Lloyd D. Newell

Live Christmas

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

The bright lights and joyful sounds, the festivities and parties all mark with excitement the Christmas season. But now and again this time of year is also filled with stress and worry, with frustration and exhaustion, made all the more poignant because of the celebrations that surround us. Sometimes we celebrate Christmas in ways that actually keep us from feeling the joys of the season. One woman, after a hectic day of mothering and shopping, found herself so impatient with fellow shoppers that she thought to herself, “Wait a minute, get a hold of yourself. This isn’t what Christmas is about.” Perhaps in our desire to get just the right gift or arrive at just the right time, we become irritated with someone who is slower than us, frustrated with long lines and inflated expectations, or annoyed with the shortcomings of those around us. Normally we try to be kind and thoughtful, but ironically, in the midst of the celebration of the birth of perfect kindness, we may be more unkind than usual. Perhaps we act this way because, in our efforts to commemorate and even bring “joy to the world,” we feel drained, worried, and worn out. As a result, we may miss the essence of this entire season. Christmas is joyful and glorious because of how we live it, not necessarily how we celebrate it. Now might be a good time to slow down a little, simplify, and find joy in what is, not what might or could be. Take time to reflect, to ponder the meaning and message of this sacred season. Live Christmas by showing love and kindness. Share Christmas by smiling and cheering up someone who seems discouraged. Extend Christmas by giving generously, even anonymously, of your time, your heart, your goodness. The best way to feel the joy of this blessed season is to live Christmas. Program #4186 Musical Selection: 1. Angels' Carol 2. The First Noel 3. Cold December Flies Away (Organ solo) 4. Noe! Noe! 5. Spoken Word 6. Silent Night (Organ solo) 7. What Child Is This? 8. Sunny Bank

A Christmas to Remember--Spoken Word Delivered by Lloyd D. Newell

A Christmas to Remember

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

As we look forward to Christmas this year, let’s look back to Christmases past and appreciate what makes a holiday memorable. Some memories may involve less-than-perfect circumstances—and that’s all right. Few real-life celebrations resemble the slick ads and scenes in holiday movies. In fact, sometimes the most cherished Christmases take place in conditions that are not quite ideal. Of course, it’s easy to feel discouraged when things don’t go according to our plans. But in time, families often look back and laugh about the mishaps: the year the tree fell over, the time they forgot to turn on the oven, the school program when everyone forgot their lines. Other times, families weep when they remember more serious hardships: the year when someone was in the hospital, the year there were no presents because times were tight, the first Christmas after a loved one passed away. As such memories fill our hearts, we would do well to recall that original Christmas night. It was not without difficulty. Mary and Joseph were far from home. No room could be found in the inn. Few comforts were available. And yet, love was born. Heavenly choirs sang. A new star lit the sky, and shepherds came to worship. Unrealistic expectations for a picture-perfect Christmas may be misleading and actually keep us from appreciating the holiday’s more subtle yet more satisfying blessings. Everything does not have to be just right for wonderful things to happen. No matter the circumstances for Christmas this year, cherished moments are within reach. Hold a child in your arms. Pause to look at the night sky. Welcome friends and family into your home, and listen to heavenly choirs. Give the love that only you can give, and you will have a memorable Christmas: a Christmas that recalls that first holy night when, in the lowliest of circumstances, a King was born. Program #4185 Musical Selection: 1. Arise, Thy Light Has Come 2. Of the Father's Love Begotten 3. What Is This Lovely Fragrance? (Organ solo) 4. For Unto Us a Child Is Born, from Messiah 5. Spoken Word 6. How Far Is It to Bethlehem? 7. Joy to the World

Giving Thanks--Spoken Word Delivered by Lloyd D. Newell

Giving Thanks

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

With his car stalled at the side of a quiet country road, and already late for an important meeting, a man stood gazing under the hood wondering what might be wrong in the complicated maze of hoses and wires that lay before him. This was the realm of an auto mechanic, and he had no idea where to begin. Just then an old pickup truck appeared, coming toward him on the road. In desperation, he waved down the truck and, to his delight, met a local man with just the skill he needed. Soon the trouble was found and fixed and the car was running like new. “Thanks so much,” he said, reaching for his wallet. “Can I pay you for your trouble?” “No, no,” replied his helper. “You just do what you can to help other people, and that will be my thanks. Just give to somebody else what I’ve given to you.” “I’ll do it,” said the man, and he thought to himself as he drove away, “I’ll do it.” Each of us has been helped in ways little and big throughout our lives—a bit of kindness here, a real favor there, with perhaps some life-changing assistance offered when it was most needed. Of course we are grateful for the help. We expressed our thanks and have kept good feelings for the people who rescued us from our troubles. But thanks should be more than just a feeling or a few words. Real thanks is revealed in answering another’s call for help. Sincere gratitude is expressed by doing something to pass along the kindness. Thankfulness is truly shown by reaching out to share with others the bounty we’ve received. As the roadside mechanic explained, in both his words and his actions, the best way to say thanks is in giving. Program #4184 Musical Selection: 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving 2. Thanks Be To God from Elijah 3. Look at the World 4. We Gather Together (Organ solo) 5. For the Beauty of the Earth 6. Spoken Word 7. Because I have Been Given Much 8. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

All Creatures Great and Small--Spoken Word Delivered by Lloyd D. Newell

All Creatures Great and Small

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

A young man returned home from college for the holidays. First to greet him was the family dog, who bounded across the room and began nuzzling at his hand. The mother, with a twinkle in her eye, said, “I think he missed you even more than we did!” The scene is familiar in all those homes that include a lovable pet. Animals are an important part of so many households—more than half the homes in the United States have a pet who is a valued member of the family. “Feed the cat” is regularly listed on the children’s job charts. Some go to extremes. Winston Churchill always insisted that the butler lay a cloth on the Persian carpet and serve dinner to Rufus, the pet poodle, before those at the table began to eat.1 Pets can contribute to the quality of our life. They have a way of putting a smile on our face and a spring in our step. Be it Rover, Spot, or Whiskers, pets love unconditionally; they accept us; they don’t judge. Put simply, they make us feel good. Yes, an overprotective dog may bark at passersby or a hamster may get lost in the heating vent. But who can gaze at an aquarium of fish and not feel the stress begin to lift? Who can care for a pet without feeling a sense of purpose or fulfillment, a relief from loneliness or isolation? Even those who don’t own pets can benefit from this type of relationship. Visits to the zoo or the county fair or placing a bird feeder in the backyard are ways we share this earth with “all creatures great and small.” As the poet Cecil Alexander reminds us, “The Lord God made them all.”2 1 See “Churchill,” The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, ed. Clifton Fadiman (1985), 125–26. 2. “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” Children’s Songbook, 231. Program #4183 Musical Selection: 1. "I Sing the Greatness of Our God" 2. "Now We Sing Thy Praise" 3. "Improvisation on Hymn to Joy" (organ solo) 4. "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" 5. Spoken Word 6. "All Things Bright and Beautiful" 7. "All My Trials" 8. "God Is Gone Up"