In Search of Christmas: A Collection of Congregational Resources for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas

This anthology of holiday material provides you with a complete collection of resources for drama, worship, and young people. It includes a wide range of resources from across the denominational spectrum. Copying privileges are included for all six segments. Come! See What God Has Done is a Thanksgiving children's event designed to heighten awareness of God's many blessings. Six learning centers -- each including posters, projects, a guided experience, follow-up activities, and a closing prayer -- focus on such topics as families, nature, our religious heritage, and our bodies. Intended for kindergarten through sixth grade, this is an ideal activity for your church school and can be held during a single session. A Chrismon Service portrays the drama of redemption through symbols of Jesus in the form of Christmas ornaments. (The word "Chrismon" is a combination of the words "Christ" and "monogram.") As appropriate scripture passages are read, each symbol is presented and explained; worshipers participate in the service by hanging them on the Chrismon tree. Eighteen designs are included so that you can make your own Chrismons based on such symbols as the Epiphany star, the Christmas rose, and the angel. The ABC's Of Christmas offers four easy programs for Christmas worship, celebrating angels, bells, colors, and gifts. Each incorporates scripture, carols, and simple props together with dramatic readings to create a meaningful worship experience that will linger in the memory long after Christmastime passes. The Angels' Point Of View is a play in two acts that looks at Jesus' conception, birth, and flight into Egypt from their perspective. Originally developed for a junior high Sunday school class, this piece is excellent for older youth and can be performed in a variety of settings. There are thirteen speaking roles, and complete directions for assembling props, costume, and scenery are included. In Search Of Christmas is a light, contemporary drama that intersperses a series of brief dialogues between a husband and wife, two teenagers, and others illustrating how we can lose the real meaning of Christmas with faith-affirming conversations among individuals who have kept the season's true spirit of joy and giving. Roles can be doubled up for the small congregation, and only a few basic props are needed. Last Year In Bethlehem: The Story Of Eli The Shepherd reminds us that the story of Christ's birth is more than a holiday tradition. It combines a dramatic monologue with hymns and candlelight for a moving Christmas Eve worship experience. On the first anniversary of the first Christmas, a gruff but friendly shepherd tells of the night that changed his life. Suggestions for costuming, makeup, and staging are included, along with historical background on shepherds during Jesus' time. O Holy Night brings together scripture, song, and poetic readings to create a touching Christmas Eve worship service that can involve several participants without requiring lengthy rehearsal. It is an especially attractive option for smaller churches without many resources, but this enchanting service will be a glorious experience for any congregation.