Origin: Parallel Universe Worship, Cityside 15 December 2002. A remediation of Ripples Through Time 1 and 2.
Theme:
To read through the full Christmas story and provide opportunity to reflect on it.
Mood:
Ambient, reflective, chilled out.
Setup:
3-4m diameter x 100mm pond of water as centre piece. 40mm water depth.
8 large candles around inside edge of pool. Pebbles, floating candles. Blackout except for pond candles. Televisions ready to run Ripples Loop.
Gear:
Hand out: Three small pebbles to each punter. Floating candles for later.
Running order:
- Prelude: Marvin Gaye, Christmas in the City, instrumental # 7 ex Merry Christmas from Motown (Looped). Lighting only from pond candles and TV spill.
- Welcome: Tonight we’re going to hear the Christmas story read from the accounts of Mathew and Luke in the New Testament part of the Bible. Two of what are four books known as Gospels. We’ll also have opportunity to reflect on the ripples of influence and effect that have spread out from that event and run through history, to us today and will continue beyond into the future.
- VIDEO: Ripples loop (Leave on until service ends) TRACK: ends. Silence.
4. Scripture Reading 1: Prophecy: Jeremiah 23/5-6, Zechariah 9/9-10, Isaiah 7/10-14
(Silence)
- Link 1: In the beginning God’s Spirit hovered over the waters and the ripples of God’s presence spread throughout creation. At the right time they spread through the people of Israel, affecting Jeremiah and Zechariah and Isaiah, and Ahaz.
- Response 1: Say together ‘Ripples from the story of God’
Throw first stone into the pond and watch the ripples spread out.
(Silence)
After a long time of apparent stillness…
- Scripture Reading 2: Announcements: Luke 1/26-38 (Two readers), 39-56.
(Silence)
- Link 2: The ripples of God’s presence spread through creation to two young women, Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. Surprising them. Catching them off guard. Challenging them. Scaring them. Their lives could never be the same again.
- Response 2: Say together ‘Ripples from the activity of God’
Throw second stone into the pond and watch the ripples spread out.
(Silence)
- TRACK: Veni Emmanuel ex Ancient and Modern #4 (loud)
- Scripture Reading 3: The Birth: Matthew 1/18-25 (Two voices), Luke 2/1-7 (Two voices), Luke 2/8-20
(Silence)
- Link 3: The ripples of God’s activity in the world spread out further through a young woman and the birth of her child in a shed. Heavenly creatures are affected, a father is confused, some farm labourers will never be the same again and everyone they meet is affected.
- Response 3: Say together ‘Ripples from the activity of God’
Throw third stone into the pond and watch the ripples spread out.
(Silence)
- Scripture Reading 3: Presentation and Visits: Luke 2/21-38 (Two voices), Matthew 2/1-12 (Two voices)
(Silence)
- Link 3: The ripples of God’s presence and activity in the world spread in ever expanding circles, affecting time and space. Bringing different responses from all who are encountered, but always having an affect, demanding a response…
- TRACK: Cry of a Tiny Babe, Bruce Cockburn ex Nothing But a Burning Light. #2 (7.25, cut short)
- Response: Candle Prayers:
Ripples from the activity of God come in ‘the right place, at the right time’
And so the ripples from this ancient modern story reach us, in Auckland, on this night.
I invite you to light candles and float them out on the water as symbols of the places and
people and ways you would like the God of the Christmas Story to touch your life this
Christmas, and for other people and situations you know need to be touched by ripples
from the God of the Christmas story.
TRACK: Oiche Chiun (Silent Night), Enya ex Cool Christmas
(repeat until all candles lit)
- Benediction: Go into the world as the ripples of Christmas, touching those you meet with the Spirit of Christ.
Go in peace
- TRACK: I Believe in You, Sinead O’Connor ex A Very Special Christmas 2. #19
Other Possibilities…
- float folded paper boats with prayers written on them