Worship in December: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King

I write this article on Advent Sunday, noting that it is the beginning of the new liturgical year and that we are moving from Year B, to Year C. Unless you are a liturgical geek or a local preacher in training, this small but significant change may have passed you by. Though detail, its importance lies in the fact that it will determine our gospel readings for the next 12 months. We move from hearing about Jesus through the eyes of Mark, to those of Luke, the consummate storyteller, who is inclusive of outsiders, particularly women and who enjoys detailing the Christmas story. It is Luke who gives us Gabriel and other angelic messengers; the inspired hymns and poetry of Zechariah and Mary; the worship of the shepherds; and the prophecy of divine oracles such as Anna and Simeon. He relates the births’ of John the Baptist and Jesus in terms that are reminiscent of the wonder children of Israel’s past. Children of God given promise, come to confront us once again with the magnitude of God’s compassion and grace.
And so this December we journey with familiar characters as they respond to the news of God’s grace delivered by divine messengers. At our Toy Service on the 6th December, we will see Zechariah responding to Gabriel’s promise of a child for him and the aging Elizabeth through an initial haze of spiritual depression and disbelief. On the 13th December, our Queens’ student Cliff explores the very practical Mary, questioning Gabriel as to how this good news will come about as she is still a virgin; through to Christmas Day and the immediacy of the shepherds’ response to the heavenly host that they must hurry to Bethlehem, to see for themselves this good news of the birth of a newborn King and Saviour. Luke takes us on a journey from a place of disbelief, doubt and empty ritual, through practical enquiry to claiming the good news for ourselves, that we like the shepherds might “glorify and praise God,” and reflect upon our own pilgrimage of faith this Christmas.
Our only diversion on this journey will be our Jesus Crew nativity play, lead by the youngest members of our congregation on Sunday morning 20th December. In consultation with them, the children expressed their view that, as far as they were concerned, a good nativity story needed presents, camels and a good baddy - and so “Four Kings and a Baby,” was duly written. The story is based on the response of the 3 Wise Men and Herod to the news of the birth of a new King of the Jews. Along with spitting camels and some new songs, this play will challenge us to consider whether our response to Jesus is more akin to that of the Wise Men or Herod.
On the evening of the 20th December we will enjoy our traditional Lyndon Carol Service of 9 lessons and carols (or there about) following the story of our salvation. With congregational singing and contributions from Barry our organist, the Worship Group and the newly formed Lyndon - Sings – Out, it will be rich in tradition and new flavour.
So this is our Sunday worship – but in December we also celebrate being a community church as we worship mid week with our local schools. On the 9th and 10th December at 2pm, Chapelfields Junior School join us for their carol service as do Daylesford Infants on the 14th December at 9.30am. Our own Lyndon Nursery will enjoy their nativity on Wednesday 16th December at 9.30am and Carole and all the staff would welcome you to come to support the children and enjoy hospitality of mince pies and coffee afterwards. As we journey to Christmas follow the story of Luke and be challenged and blessed. Julia Monaghan 29.11.09