Saturday 3rd January:

Michael & Kathy House invite everyone from church to join them in their home for a New Year's coffee morning between 10.30am and 12 noon.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Why are CANDLES a Christmas symbol?

Because Jesus is the "light of the world"! In the pre-Christian mid-winter festivals sun gods were worshipped, and the candles were a symbol of the needed light of the sun.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Thursday 25th December:

Short Christmas Day Service in church starting at 10am

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

What is BOXING DAY?

In medieval times, the day after Christmas churches used to distribute the money that had been collected in the "almsbox" (charity box) to the poor and needy. This evolved into the tradition of giving tradesmen a "box", meaning a gift or money, on the first day of the week after Christmas.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Happy: Decorate your door with holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Mopy: Dad as Santa looks a wally
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Happy: Have a fun time, free from school work
Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Mopy: Try not to drive your parents berserk
Fa la la la la, la la la la


Happy: If you have one, light a fire
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Mopy: If your chimney’s blocked, it’s dire
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Happy: Start the dancing at the party
Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Mopy: Do things with glitter if you’re arty
Fa la la la la, la la la la


Happy: Christmas holidays go quickly
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Mopy: Too much food and you’ll feel sickly
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Happy: Sing the carols, learn the story
Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Mopy: Of how Jesus shows God’s glory
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Happy: Decorate your door with holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la



richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Shepherds leave by door at back of stage. A group of people are to sing “Silent Night”. While this is going on kids need to sneak onto stage quietly and set up nativity scene behind screens. When they are sorted, need stage hands to move screens away. Shepherds re-enter church by side door and go back up the steps on to the stage when “Silent Night” finishes.

Shepherd 1: Look! Here he is, just as the angel said!

Shepherds fall on their knees again to worship at manger.

Shepherd 1: Thank you Lord for sending our Messiah, thank you Lord for sharing him with us, thank you Lord, thank you!

Shepherd 2: [jumping up] We can’t keep this to ourselves, we should tell everyone!

Shepherd 1 is nodding in enthusiastic agreement. Shepherd 1 goes down stairs on the left,
Shepherd 2 goes down stairs on the right, go down either aisle saying - in an excited manner- the following directly to individuals seated there:

Shepherd 1: Christ the Lord is born!

Shepherd 2: An angel came to us and said we would find baby Christ in a manger in Bethlehem and we did!

Shepherd 1: Good news for everyone! The Messiah is born! He is here with us now!

Shepherd 2: The Messiah is here!

Then Shepherds rush back up aisles and exit by the side door, saying on their way out:

Shepherd 1: Praise God!

Shepherd 2: Thank you Lord!

Shepherd 1: Thank you God!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Angel appears above middle screen as spot light is turned on, shepherds fall to their knees, turning away and covering their faces in fear

Shepherds: Aaah!!!

Angel: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Yes! All people, even you. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!

Shepherd 1: [putting hand up cautiously] Um, excuse me your bright shineyness…Are you sure you’ve got the right address? It’s just that we’re um…we’re just shepherds – [pointing to Shepherd 2] he’s not even a very good shepherd! It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been delivered someone else’s message by mistake…

Angel: [checking note in hand] To the shepherds watching their flock by night, first hill east of Bethlehem…that’s you isn’t it?

Shepherd 2: Er, yes…

Angel: There you go then! [regaining composure] God has chosen you to be among the first to see the new born king. Go see him for yourselves. He’s your Saviour. And this will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger

Sudden burst of choral music representing host of angels: “Glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth, Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth, Good will towards men, towards men, goodwill towards men, Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest!” etc etc (from Chorus 17, Handel’s Messiah).

Spot light turned off, angel disappears. Shepherd1 jumps up, looks at Shepherd 2 still on his knees in a dazed state

Shepherd 1: Come on! Let’s get to Bethlehem and see for ourselves this amazing thing the Lord has let us in on!


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.