- Sheila Harkins
Christmas Spoken Word Narration

Christmas Chapel 2015 Narration
We started with a drama sequence that pointed out the cheer of Christmas and the deeper issues behind the scenes.
1st Narration:
Jingle bells, twinkling lights,
Everything merry and bright,
Candy canes, boughs of holly
Tis the Season to be Jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Let’s look deeper, though, and part the curtain
We all know there is darkness, right there, lurkin’
Afflictions, contradictions, obligations, expectations
Addictions, frictions, lamentations, complications
Deep pain that won’t relent
Even though we try to hide it, it’s obvious—our discontent.
Sharp edges in our heart-relentless stabbing
Tormented thoughts that just keep jabbing
We do what we don’t want to do
Then we put on our smiling masks at school—
Who do we think we’re fooling?
Deep darkness keeps pulling
Meanwhile, with songs full of joy, hope and good cheer
Christianity claims that light came to earth when Baby Jesus appeared.
It seems far-fetched, not connected to our daily distress
Something abstract, how can He help when we’re depressed?
The old Christmas carols claim the Creator knows our need
Apparently, He sent the baby in the manger to break the chains free
Is it possible—a Light that can penetrate the gloom?
Did a Holy Night long ago make a way to escape the doom?
Dance: “O, Holy Night”
2nd Narration:
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices”
During this season we hear so many raising their voices
Singing of “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night”
Is there really significance to the star, the light?
We’re all looking for something to help in the here, the now,
We want light in our darkness, but we don’t know how
A tiny baby born so long ago could bring…
An answer to our disillusionment…
A calming presence in our chaotic world…
Peace to our pain-filled hearts…
Hope in our hopeless depression…
An embrace encompassing our loneliness…
Rescue from our sin-tormented thoughts
Healing to our wounded souls
Christianity claims this baby was the King of Kings
The Son of God. Hearts had been seeking, waiting
Longing. Hoping. Crying. Praying. Anticipating.
And, He came—A Savior to set people free
A Promise for those who believe.
Song: Hallelujah (Light Has Come)
3rd Narration:
The claims are outrageous—God wrapped in skin
Men gathered around a babe, worshipping him
A baby born with the claim God is his Father
The Maker of all subjecting his Son to humanity’s squalor
The reason? His desire to save us from sin
To give us new birth, make us clean within.
It’s unbelievable to us—the Savior’s plan
The Perfect, blameless baby who came to die for man
His wounds, his blood, his death brought healing
Life doesn’t have to be the same; there’s a new revealing
Of the way to see life, a hope in the darkest night
There are stories of hope, joy and light
Christmas--Emmanuel, God with us
We’re imperfect and flawed, but when we trust
God begins to rearrange our hearts, our souls
Beauty and abundance spring to fill in empty holes
Today you will be given a gift—just a glimpse into
Lives of people brave enough to share with you
They’re not perfect, but because they care
They’re willing to open up and share
How God’s presence in their stories has impacted them
With the hope that you will listen and also let God enter in.
“Cardboard” Testimonies