Sometimes in the past we have sung "Happy Birthday" To Jesus and had a cake, 
and enough cake for everyone to have some after the service.  This year we 
aren't, but it's an idea.

A few times I've dressed up as a Christmas character and presented the 
message from that person's viewpoint.  The year I was Gabriel I had trouble 
keeping my wings on :)).  The year I was Herod was ok because I had a bad 
cough, and Herod was sick and dying anyhow (and insane..but we won't go 
there) , so it played right into it.  It takes some extra work (can't use 
notes) and have to stay "in character"  but people love it.

This year we are mixing carols and several selections of special music 
(including some kids, instrumental, mixed group).  I'm preaching on God's 
Best Gift to Us from Jn 1:14 and 2 Cor. 9:15 leading into a Christmas 
Communion time.  There's a great hymn we're using too:

A Communion Hymn For Christmas



Gathered round Your table on this day you're born,

Viewing Bethlehem's stable we rejoice and mourn.

Joy to see You lying in Your manger bed,

Weep to see You dying in our sinful stead.



Prince of Glory gracing heaven ere time began,

Now for us embracing death as Son of Man.

By Your birth so lowly, by Your love so true,

By Your cross, most holy Lord, we worship You.



Bethlehem's Incarnation, Calvary's bitter cross,

Wrought for us salvation, by Your pain and loss.

Now we fall before You by this holy place,

Prostrate, we adore You for Your gift of grace.



With profoundest wonder we Your body take.

Laid in manger yonder, broken for our sake.

Hushed in adoration, we approach the cup,

Bethlehem's pure oblation freely offered up.



Christmas babe so tender, Lamb who bore our blame.

How shall sinners render praises due Your name?

Do Your own good pleasure in the lives we bring.

In Your ransomed treasure reign forever King!



Margaret E. Clarkson,/Tom Fettke, 1986 Word Music

Jimbo
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charlie Carroll Jr." <carrollbigcjr@...>
To: <pastorsforum@...>
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2005 10:27 PM
Subject: [PastorsForum] questions


> Hey brothers,
> I know some of you are having a regular service on Christmas Day, and I am 
> also.  But I don't want it to be a regular service I also am not trying to 
> debate anything I just would like to do something special to celebrate 
> Christmas Day.  If anyone has any ideas I would certainly appreciate the 
> help.
>
> here because of Jesus
> Charlie
> Phil.4:13
> --
> To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: 
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>
> "In essential things, unity; in non-essential things, liberty; and in all 
> things, charity."
>
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