There is something comforting about a warm cup of cocoa, carols, and the reading of Luke 2 all shared together. It unites the family and sends everyone off to bed in a peaceful, contented way. One of my favorite parts about this evening devotional is the inclusion of sacred carols with the reading. My Christmas gift to you this year is the script of our family’s Christmas Eve devotional, complete with music files. I hope you enjoy it with your family as much as we enjoy it each year.
(The music files are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints online hymn collection. And the quoted text is from the King James version of the Bible, New Testament, the book of St. Luke, chapter 2.)
Reading and Carols of Chapter 2 of Luke
Narrator: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.”
Joseph: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Song: Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem
Narrator: “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Mary: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Narrator: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Song: While Shepherds Watched their Flocks
Angel: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Narrator: “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, good will toward men.
Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Shepherd: “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Narrator: “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Mary: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Narrator: And as Mary pondered all these things, as we celebrate Christmas, let us ponder as well all the gifts this Gift gave to us. Let there be peace and love within us all this Christmas and all year. Merry Christmas!
Song: I heard the bells on Christmas Day
The End
(For a printable version, click here.)
We don’t read the whole chapter because of the ages of our children, but it’s still a wonderful reading of the scriptures and brings the feelings of the Holy Spirit into our home so wonderfully on Christmas Eve. I hope your family will feel so as well.
Merry Christmas!
