CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 2009
celebrating the birth of christ:
An LSCC Christmas Carol
Thursday, Dec. 24, at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m., main auditorium
By Mark Nelson
"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol (1843), is the famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by spirits from the past, present and future. The story is a celebration of Christmas, but also speaks of redemption and hope.
That theme will be echoed in the Christmas Eve services led by LSCC’s Exalt Ministry, "An LSCC Christmas Carol." The program parallels Dickens’ book by focusing on the past, present and future of God’s salvation through Christ’s birth and the many ways God’s people rejoice in Jesus’ birth and their personal redemption.
“This will be an interactive experience for the entire family,” said Kyle Weldon, director of Worship Arts. Each of the three services will feature traditional Christmas carols, worship, prayer, drama, video and a Christmas message by Lead Pastor Doug Brown.
“This is not a come, sit and receive event, but rather an event where we invite you to come and celebrate the meaning of Christmas with us,” said Kyle.
Music of the holiday will help people celebrate Christmas’ past and present, appealing to many different tastes and styles. The celebration begins with musical performances as guests enter the church, including carolers, a harpist and a pre-show in the sanctuary.
“There will be music that appeals to everyone,” Kyle said.
Christmas through the years
During the evening, the Spirit of Christmas Past will whisk guests on a journey to the Holy Land to envision the humble birth of our Savior and the Holy Family that first Christmas. Guests will also be reminded of the different ways earlier generations commemorated the birth of Christ.
In 2009, families and cultures may look different, but people are still attracted to the simple, life-changing message of redemption and salvation through the birth of God’s Son as one of our own. The Spirit of Christmas Present will lead the guest to discover what Christmas means to our blended society. Guests will glimpse into the home of a family preparing for the busy holiday. The family, through a misfortune, actually finds a gift through learning to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Future will focus on the hope of rejoicing with God in eternity. Lead Pastor Doug Brown will help us envision how the saints will exult in Jesus’ birthday when they are gathered in the multitudes to worship at the feet of the Father and Son.
Regular attendees and guests can choose from three, hour-long services, starting at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Child care will be available at all services for newborns through kindergarteners.
“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).
Writer Mark Nelson is a member of Lee’s Summit Community Church.
Celebrate families of Christmas past, present and future on Christmas Eve at Lee's Summit Community Church. Service times are 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m.