SermonStudio

Introduction


Scripture has immense power in its own right, but when presented aloud in public, its impact on hearers can be increased or diminished depending upon presentation. We've all heard passages read so poorly in worship that the content of verses is barely communicated. Likewise we've heard scripture read clearly, but with such lack of expression that the impact is lost on the audience.

When read both clearly and with feeling, however, scripture can open hearers to the living word of God.

The selection included here is nothing other than scripture, hand-picked verses from Matthew, Luke, and John, all lines that most church attendees will have heard many times. But they have been organized so that themes introduced in one set of verses are picked up in the next, linking the events of Christmas with those of Holy Week and Easter.

This interlaced reading can be presented effectively by two readers who have taken the time to read and understand the material beforehand, and are able to read it out loud with the appropriate inflection and emotional tone. (I have supplied the scripture references for your convenience, but do not have the speakers say them.)

But for maximum impact, I suggest that well ahead of time, you give the reading to two people who have dramatic ability (and preferably contrasting voices), and ask them to memorize the lines. Then during your service, have the two performers stand in opposite corners of the chancel, with Voice 1 speaking his or her lines and then Voice 2 coming in with the other lines as soon as the first speaker finishes. Encourage the performers to use their hands dramatically as they would in animated conversation. If your sanctuary has spotlights, you can enhance the presentation by darkening the room and then spotlighting each performer in turn as he or she speaks.

In my church, my daughter and I served as the two voices and each spoke from memory, "feeling" the words as we spoke. The effect was powerful.



The Interlaced Scripture Reading

Voice 1: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1-5)

Voice 2: While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

Voice 1: Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who ... was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. (Luke 23:50-53)

Voice 2: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:8-9)

Voice 1: After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:1-4)

Voice 2: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

Voice 1: But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said." (Matthew 28:5-6)

Voice 2: "This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" (Luke 2:12-14)

Voice 1: [And Jesus said to them,] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ... Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

Voice 2: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

Voice 1: A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28)

Voice 2: When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:17-20)

Voice 1: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. (John 20:30)

Voice 2: But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31)