Thomas helps lead S*N*A*C (aka Sunday Night After Church) at his Church in Glasgow. They held a Christmas service this week and he shared the order on his blog. Sounds like a great time of reflection and celebration.
From Thomas:
The key to a “7 from 8” gathering is simplicity > its about taking time out > relaxing in the busy milieu of Advent. 7 readings. 7 songs. No commentary. Participation. Contribution. Darkness interspersed with candles.
I introduced the gathering and set the scene… then let things flow (all readings from The Message except 7 which is from New King James version)>
1. Liz kicked off the readings with The Birth of Jesus [Matthew 1: 18-25] > BLOC then played “Silent Night”
2. Diane then read The Birth of Jesus [Luke 2: 1-7] > Janey played “Away in a Manger” on the piano
3. Bobby read A Virgin will bear a son [Isaiah 7: 10-14] > we moved into a period reflection and contemplation > I played “Emmanuel” by Blackmore’s Night on the ol’ iPod.
4. Kirsty brought us An event for everyone [Luke 2: 8-20] > we then listened to BLOC who brought us an awesome version of “O Holy Night”
5. Janey read A Virgin conceives [Luke 1: 26-35] > we then completed the contemplative time with another track from the ol’ iPod > “I am, You are” by the Martins
6. I then read Scholars from the East [Matthew 2] > BLOC played “A First Noel”
7. Lawrie brought the readings to a close with Isaiah’s prophesy For unto us a Child is born [Isaiah 9: 2-7] > BLOC then finished with “Love came down at Christmas”Alec closed the gathering with a prayer and we enjoyed some fellowship over Starbucks espresso blend coffee and mince pies. Simple yet effective evening.
Sounds like a great time. Wish I could participate in it somehow.