Tarnished Light of our own Brilliance

2 minutes / 1 narrator

Description
A general set-up narration for any production that will contrast the promise of Christ’s incarnation with “the tarnished light of our own brilliance.”

Originally from
Vacancy / There’s Room in My Heart (musical)

Voices
One

Topics
Christmas God’s Glory Light Birth Jesus Christ Savior Isaiah Shine Baby

Script
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Leader/Narrator
Welcome. We’ve gathered tonight to remember and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Long ago the Son of God left His heavenly peace to bring that peace down to man. He who created the world emptied Himself of all privilege, took on the likeness of men, and came to them–came as a baby, with open arms filled with love. He came to dwell in their hearts–those hearts that would have Him. And from that one, glorious day, until this day, He has known rejection as men and women have shut their hearts to Him.

(pause)

Long ago the prophets proclaimed His coming. They painted word-portraits of the Savior so that the people would clearly know the day of His arrival. Isaiah said it best:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.
Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.”
(Isaiah 60:1-3)

What a wonderful thought: That the glory of the Lord has actually come, and is now shining on us.

(pause; soberly)

But I wonder if we see that light? The light of Christ rarely penetrates the smog of our humanity. Our world today is filled with the tarnished light of our own brilliance. And never more so than during this festive time of year. Plastic Santas and aluminum trees greet us in every shop of the mall, while even the word “Christmas” is banned in our schools and public discourse.

Copyright 2000 David S. Lampel. All rights reserved.
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