This is one of the liturgy pages for the Methodist Church's Hush the Noise Advent and Christmas campaign 2024. A full list of the services can be found here. A PDF containing all the services can be downloaded here.
Christmas Day: Hear the Angels Sing
25 December 2024
Bible readings
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.
Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Songs and hymns
Born in the night, Mary’s child (StF 193)
Child of joy and peace (StF 194)
Christmas Blessing (May you have the joy of the angels) (website only)
Glory be to God on high (StF 199)
Heaven’s come so close tonight (website only)
I had a dream that I was standing on a hillside (StF 203)
It was on a starry night when the hills were bright (StF 206)
Love came down at Christmas (StF 210)
Sent by the Lord am I (StF 239)
Also see: Resource Hub Worship Calendar suggestions for 25 December 2024
Opening liturgy
Light in our darkness, joy in our sorrow,
Our Saviour is born, the Prince of Peace,
The King of all, Emmanuel, God with us.
Let’s share the song,
With angels let us sing.
Glory to God, revealed among us,
Given for us, offered for us,
Living within, one with us.
Let’s share the song,
With angels let us sing.
The day is here, the time is now.
Promised long ago and promised still.
Within the laughter and the chat,
Let’s share the song,
With angels let us sing.
Background notes
On this special day it is time to hear the midnight song of the angels referred to in the carol. The symbol today is, naturally, an angel.
...and there shall be endless peace.
This passage from Isaiah is full of light, joy and gladness. The child will bring peace and justice; salvation is described in a communal, not individualistic frame.(1)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
The song of the angels is a mini-canticle, with two parallel chiastic lines.(2) As in the Isaiah passage above, the whole saving event of Christ coming is summed up as peace. This is not merely an absence of war, but a state of abundance and well-being that comes from God.(3) Or, as our carol puts it, ’Peace on the earth, good will to men... [sic.]’
Who is included in this outpouring of peace? What might seem like an exclusive limit in the words of the angels (‘among those whom he favours’) is really a universal blessing for the whole earth and all who inhabit it: God favours it all.(4)
...they made known what had been told them...
The shepherds ‘repeat the song’ that they have heard from the angels to Mary and Joseph. There was new information here; Mary and Joseph already knew that the child would be the Messiah (Luke 1:32-35) and Lord (Luke 1:43) but from the shepherds they learn that the child will also be a saviour.
Methodist Way of Life: Tell
Questions for discussion
- Can you describe a time when you have felt a deep sense of peace?
- What would be different in a world full of peace?
- How do you feel about passing on the good news?
Hands-on activities
- Make paper plate angels and create a choir of angels like those that appeared to the shepherds. A simple craft and template with instructions is available here: Paper Plate Angel Lacing Craft
- Write the names of Jesus (mentioned in the Isaiah passage) on a long roll of paper in large letters. Invite everyone to decorate a letter or word using art supplies provided. Try to include lots of shiny, bright and colourful items such as glitter gel pens, stickers, ribbon, metallic pens, threads and yarns. Display the finished names in all their majestic glory for all to see!
Prayer ideas
- Place an angel on the top of the tree to remind those present that angels are messengers of God. Today we hear the message of the birth of Christ. We respond by saying thank you to God. Use the BSL or Makaton sign for ‘thank you’.
- Add an infinity symbol to the tree. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:20 talks about God doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. What is the most extraordinary thing you can imagine God doing? How does this compare to God coming as a baby in an animal shed? What would you like to ask God for today? What will you do in partnership with the Spirit?
The good news to get across
Christmas is loud, isn’t it? So much expectation. So many voices. Telling us how to celebrate, what to wear, what to eat and drink, what to watch and what to buy.
Instead, this Christmas we’re inviting everyone to hush the noise. To listen for the love song that the angels bring this and every year. They sang it for the first time more than 2,000 years ago, on the midnight clear. They’re just waiting for us to join in.
Ways people can respond
Take a couple of minutes now to hush the noise. Consider how you might help others hear the angel’s love song in your community. How might you amplify the song?
Prayer of blessing
The angels are still singing.
Hush the noise, hear them sing, repeat the song.
And the blessing of God,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be yours/ours, now and always. Amen.
References
(1) David Stacey, Isaiah 1-39 (1993) Epworth, London, p. 73.
(2) Craig A. Evans, Matthew (2012) Cambridge, New York, p. 206.
(3) Joseph A. Fitzmeyer, The Gospel According to Luke (1981) Doubleday, New York, pp. 224-225.
(4) Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke (1997) Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, p. 137.