The Christmas Story (2025)

Christmas Choir

“Behold the Savior”

Good evening, and welcome. We’re so glad you’ve chosen to be with us tonight as we reflect on the greatest story ever told—a story we’ll experience together through music, through the reading of Scripture, and by the soft glow of candlelight.

It’s the story of God and His creation. A story that reminds us that from the very beginning, God’s heart was set on restoring what man would break. Even when sin entered the world, God already had a plan. In Genesis 3:15—right at the start of Scripture—we hear God’s promise to send One who would come and make things right. One who would rescue us from our sin. A Savior. A Messiah. Jesus.

That’s why we sing songs like “Joy to the World.”

From the moment that promise was spoken in the garden—to Adam, to Eve, to the serpent—the people of God lived with anticipation. Generation after generation, the Jewish people waited, longing for the arrival of the promised Messiah. And among them were women who quietly wondered, Could it be? Might this child be the one? The One who would finally bring freedom and hope to a broken world.

And so the years passed. Children were born. Hope lingered. And the question remained: Will my child be the Messiah?

The Story of Gabriel & Mary

And then, there was one woman who wouldn’t have to wonder. Her name was Mary.

Into the quiet of her ordinary life, God sent a messenger. The angel Gabriel appeared, carrying news unlike anything the world had ever heard. The waiting was over. The promise spoken in the garden was about to be fulfilled. God was sending His Son into the world—and Mary had been chosen to carry Him.

Can you imagine that moment? To be told that your life would hold the hope of the world. That through you, God would step into human flesh. Many believe Mary was little more than a young teenager—thirteen, perhaps fourteen—when heaven broke into her story and God said, You will be the mother of My Son. You will give birth to Jesus.

At this time, let us listen carefully to God’s Word and hear how Mary received this news for the very first time.

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26–38 ESV

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Gabriel and Mary Candles Lighting

Congregational Song

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

The Story of Joseph

As you heard in the reading, Mary was betrothed—engaged—to a man named Joseph. And listen, in that culture, a betrothal was far more than just a promise. It was binding, sacred, serious. Ending it required a formal divorce, and unfaithfulness carried devastating consequences.

Now just imagine the weight of that moment. Mary—chosen by God, yet still a virgin—engaged and preparing for marriage, carrying news that would change everything. She had to tell the man she loved that she was with child. And that the child was from the Holy Spirit.

Place yourself in Joseph’s story for a moment. Feel the confusion. The heartbreak. The impossible choice set before him. And yet, Scripture tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. His first instinct wasn’t anger or revenge, it was mercy. He resolved to release Mary quietly, to spare her shame and to protect her life.

In this, we glimpse Joseph’s heart—a heart marked by compassion, even when the cost was so personal to him.

But as Joseph wrestled with these things, God spoke to him as well. An angel appeared and confirmed what Mary had said was true. This child was from God. And Joseph was being invited into something far greater than he could’ve ever imagined—to walk beside Mary, and to help her raise the Savior of the world.

Let us listen now as God’s Word tells us Joseph’s story.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

Matthew 1:18–23 ESV

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Joseph Candle Lighting

Congregational Song

"The Frist Christmas Morning”

The Story of Jesus, the Baby

All the way back in Genesis 3:15, God speaks to the serpent and says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

These are some of the very first words of hope in all of Scripture. Here, at the beginning, God declares what Christmas would one day mean—that humanity couldn’t defeat sin or evil on its own, but that God Himself would come to do what we couldn’t. He would draw near. He would dwell among us. He would become our Emmanuel. And He would make right what we had broken.

And then—after centuries of waiting, after thousands of years—God kept His promise.

From Abraham, who was told that through his offspring all nations would be blessed… To Moses, who spoke of a greater Prophet yet to come… To Isaiah and the prophets, who foretold a suffering servant and a coming King… Every promise, every shadow, every hope pointed to one name.

Jesus.

The Son of God. The Word made flesh. The Creator and Sustainer of all things. Our Redeemer. God Himself, stepping into His creation to reveal His glory and to make a way for us to come home.

And how did He come?

Not in a palace—but in a stable. Not surrounded by royalty—but instead laid in a feeding trough. Wrapped in simple cloths, placed among hay and animals. The King of kings. The Lord of lords. Humble. Vulnerable. Near.

There, in a manger, lay Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world.

Let us now hear from God’s Word about Christ, the promised Messiah.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Jesus Candle Lighting

Special Music

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

Story of Herod and Star

On the night Jesus was born, heaven responded. Angels lifted their voices in praise, and God placed a sign in the sky—a star, shining brightly against the darkness. It was a signal for those who had been watching and waiting, a light meant to lead seeking hearts to the Savior who had come.

That star drew the attention of wise men from the east—men who studied the heavens and recognized that something extraordinary had taken place. Following its light, they arrived in Jerusalem and came before King Herod, announcing the birth of a child they called the King of the Jews.

But where heaven rejoiced, fear took root. Herod’s heart was stirred—not with wonder, but with jealousy and rage. Determined to protect his throne, he ordered the death of every young boy in Bethlehem two years old and under. A king threatened by a child. A ruler grasping for power in the presence of the true King.

And yet darkness wouldn’t have the final word. Warned by God, the wise men didn’t return to Herod. They followed the star once more, and Herod’s plan—like every plan set against God—was undone. The light continued to shine. The child was preserved. And God’s purposes moved forward, untouched by human cruelty or fear.

Let us read together the opening of this story from God’s Word.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-10

Matthew 2:1–10 ESV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Star Candle Lighting

Congregational Song

“O Holy Night”

The Story of the Wise Men

The prophet Isaiah said, “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

The story of Christmas stretches across lands and centuries. On that holy night, while shepherds in the fields heard angels sing, far to the east—perhaps 800 miles away—a group of wise men watched the skies. For years, they had studied the heavens and the prophecies of old, waiting for the sign of the Messiah’s coming. When the star appeared, it was as if God Himself had placed an invitation in the sky: Come, see the King who’s been promised.

We don’t know exactly where they came from, or how they first learned of the prophecy. Perhaps it was through the writings of Daniel, perhaps through other whispers of God’s promises. But whatever the path, they set out immediately, traveling with caravans and companions, seeking the one true King.

Many of us picture them in nativity scenes, standing right there in the stable with Mary, and Joseph, and the baby Jesus. But the Scriptures tell a different story. The star appeared on the night of Jesus’ birth, yet the journey of the wise men took weeks, maybe months. When they first arrived in Israel, they didn’t find a baby in a manger—they sought the King, and naturally, they went to the palace of Herod, expecting the ruler of the Jews to be there.

And then, guided by God’s hand, they were warned and chose a different path. They followed the star until it led them to a home, where Jesus was no longer a newborn, but a young child. There, they bowed before Him, offering gifts and honor to the King of kings.

We often think of three men because of the three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—but these were important men, accompanied by caravans and attendants. Imagine the scene: a group of wise and noble travelers, coming from afar to worship the promised King. A celebration of worship unlike any other, as they recognized God’s glory in the child who would change the world.

Let us now continue the story of the wise men, as told in Matthew’s Gospel.

Scripture: Matthew 2:11-12

Matthew 2:11–12 ESV

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Wise Man Candle Lighting

Congregational Song

"Lo How a Rose”

The Story of the Angels

And so we return to that holy night. In the fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds tended their flocks, weary from the work of the day, unaware that history itself was about to unfold. And then, suddenly, an angel appeared, bringing a message unlike any the world had ever heard: The Savior of the world has been born. Hope had dawned, even in the darkness.

And immediately, the heavens opened in praise. A multitude of angels, the heavenly host, filled the night sky, singing, Glory to God in the highest!

These angels, who have witnessed God’s power for ages, were astonished. They had seen God deliver His people before. They had seen creation itself obey His word. But never had they seen Him step into the world He made, humbling Himself to take on human flesh to bring redemption.

The apostle Peter tells us this wonder and awe at God’s plan of salvation fascinated them—they were captivated by the magnitude of His love and the mystery of His coming.

And so they did what angels do best: they praised God in the highest. Not for another miracle of power, not for creation or the parting of seas, but for the miracle of Emmanuel—God with us, entering our world, bringing salvation to all.

When I think of this night, I’m drawn most to the angels. No other part of God’s creation knows Him as fully as they do. And even they, in all their glory and wisdom, were struck speechless with awe at the birth of His Son.

Let us now listen closely as we hear from God’s Word in the Gospel of Luke, the story of that night, and the shepherds who were the first to receive this incredible news.

Scripture Luke 2:8-14

Luke 2:8–14 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Angel Candle Lighting

Congregational Song

"Angels We Have Heard on High”

The Story of the Shepherds

When we turn to Luke 2:8, the story shifts from the quiet of the stable to the fields outside Bethlehem, where shepherds kept watch over their flocks. And this part of the story—aside from the miracle of Jesus Himself—is astonishing. God chose to reveal His greatest news to shepherds, a group of people considered the lowest in society.

Shepherds were outsiders, looked down upon, distrusted, and even despised. Their testimony held no weight in court. Their daily work often made them ceremonially unclean in the eyes of the religious leaders. In short, they were ordinary, overlooked, and rejected by the world.

And yet, God chose them. He brought the angels to these humble men, announcing that the Savior of the world had been born. For once, the nobodies received the greatest news of all.

The response of the shepherds was immediate. They left their fields and flocks and ran to Bethlehem, hastening to see the child for themselves. When they arrived, they witnessed the wonder that had been told to them and confirmed the angel’s words. And after seeing Him, they returned, praising and glorifying God for all they had seen and heard.

Imagine the joy, the awe, the sense of being chosen—not for their status, but simply because God saw fit to include them in His story. In the midst of rejection and hardship, they became the first to witness the hope of the world.

Let us continue reading from Luke chapter 2, and walk with the shepherds as they encounter the newborn King.

Scripture Luke 2:15-20

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Shepherds Candle Lighting

Special Music

"Make Room”

Closing

And so, we have this beautiful Christmas scene. The candles are lit and it depicts one of the greatest nights known to man. But as this night comes to a close, we read about the angels going back to heaven, certainty continuing to praise God in the highest. We see the shepherds leave the manager and the stable and they too return back to their positions in the field, praising and glorifying God, waiting for this baby to grow up and perform the work that He was sent to do.

We read about the wise men, and them returning back from where they came. The star that would lead those to the feet of Jesus, it no longer served a purpose. Joseph and Mary they leave the stable and they return home after traveling to Egypt for some time and they would continue to raise this baby, this Savior. And then this baby, this baby would grow and He’d become the man we all know and read about. He would begin His ministry and live a perfect life. And His entire life would be led to a cross where He’d hang there, nailed to it, and experience God’s wrath and judgement that was meant for you and me. He would die, completely satisfying our punishment, and three days later He’d rise again.

And before ascending to the right hand of the Father in heaven, He’d give His followers a mission. He said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will have power to advance my message.” And then Jesus shared His light with us. He said, “Let my light shine in you.” And He says, “That anyone that believes in Me will have everlasting life and shall not perish. You’ll be my lights on a hill”

[Pass lights - Light Advent Candles] And Jesus says, “You’re to take this story, the story of hope and restoration, the story of Christmas, to a lost world.” He says, “You’re to tell them about me.” And then He ascended to right hand of the Father, but not before sharing His light with us. We were left to be His light in this world, waiting for our day to join Him in the place He prepares for us even now.

Tonight, before we close, I just wanna give anyone who’s never responded to this story the opportunity to do so. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. It says that the wages of sin is death. But that God offers redemption freely to all who’ll turn to Him. To receive it, we simply confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord.…Listen, you can do that right where you are this evening. Salvation and eternal life, they’re God’s free gifts to those who will repent and believe.

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And so now, as we close our service tonight, let us join together in singing Silent Night, remembering the light that came into the world and continues to shine in each of us as God’s children.

“Silent Night”

[Prayer]