A Child Will Lead Them (Complete Cantata)--Lyrics
1. THE GATHERING (Choir Processional)
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2. OPENING: A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM (Choir) MELODY A child will lead them home, never more to wander. The sadness and the tears of all the years will all be gone. Truth no more ignored, innocence restored, The crooked path will be set straight. A child will lead them home and love will be their fortress. The dream of pain and suffering will fade with light of day. Heaven on earth is a moment away, The moment when we see through love’s eyes.
COUNTERMELODY We march as one with love on our side. The sadness and the tears of years will all be gone. With faith and hope we travel on. Each step is closer to home. =======================================================
3. INVOCATION: ONE (Alto Solo with Choir) (Narrator) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s [or today's] Christmas presentation of “A Child Will Lead Them”. We start with the reading of Scripture that speaks of the “new light, the new understanding that has been born in the consciousness of humanity through the birth of this child. (Reader) Matt. 4:16 The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light. John 1:9 That was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 10, 11 All mine are thine, and all thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. That they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in three, that they may also be one in us. (Music) There is only one presence, one power, In the Universe: God the good, Omnipotence, Omniscience, And Omnipresence. Amen. =======================================================
4. FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS (Duet for Soprano and Tenor) (Narrator) History is full of magical times. When the child Jesus was born, a new era came into being. As he grew in wisdom and understanding, he made a breakthrough in the very fabric of what it means to be human. With his awakening into his own true nature, he taught us of the Divinity within us all, the essence of all humanity, the Christ. By his example he showed us how to find our inherent beauty, goodness and spirituality. At that special time when Jesus was present on earth, we all gained a greater opportunity to find insight into the nature of God and the Universe. (Reader) Eccl. 3:1 to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 11 [God} hath make every thing beautiful in his time. (Music) For such a time as this =======================================================
5. ECHOES OF ANCIENT WORDS (Soprano Solo with Choral Background) (Narrator) At that time 2,000 years ago, the people of Israel were expecting God to send a great leader, a king who would bring Israel back to its former glory. This Messiah, the Anointed One of God, would guide them on new paths of greatness. But the prophecy from Old Testament sages spoke of another kind of anointed one, one who was a Prince of Peace. The prophecy was fulfilled with the coming of the Christ Consciousness into our midst. (Reader) Isaiah 11:6 (New International Version © 1984) The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
(Music) VERSE For unto us a child is born today. Unto us a Son is given. The government is on His shoulder, The Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor.
CHORUS Echoes of Ancient Words, a child is born this day. The star will show the way. You are the Christ. Echoes of Ancient Words, a child is born this day. The star will show the way. You are the Son of God.
VERSE Eastern star that brightly shines Shows the way to find the Child. Wise men seek and find within, God with us, Emmanuel. =======================================================
6. THE STONE THAT WAS REJECTED (Choir, with solos for Soprano, and Alto or Tenor) (Narrator) When Jesus came, many people began to follow his teachings, gaining a new path to becoming more Godlike in their thoughts and actions. Like all wise ones who are ahead of the times, Jesus did not find universal acceptance. In the end he accomplished what he came here to do, and provided a strong foundation for spiritual seekers in his own time, and for all who would come after him. (Reader) Psalm 118:22-24 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Music) The stone that was rejected is now the cornerstone. The Son of man, unlike the rest, had no home of His own. A treasure disregarded, a diamond in the rough, Forgotten by the many, to us His worth is shown. Hosanna, hosanna, glory in the highest! The heavens ring, the angels sing, the triumph of the heart, For God and man are reconciled, the kingdom is at hand. Prophesies of old are now fulfilled in us. The stone that was rejected is now the cornerstone. =======================================================
7. CHILD OF MY HEART (Instrumental Duet) (Narrator) As we listen to the beauty of the music, we invite you to contemplate the place of the Christ in your own life, and the spiritual path you are traveling. In this way you can gain perception and guidance from the Christ spirit that is within you. (Reader) Prov 2: 1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shat thou understand the power of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. =======================================================
8. AND YOUR LIGHT WILL SHINE (Soprano Solo) (Narrator) When Jesus came to the end of his earthly journey, the world was a better place because of the work that he had done. Each of us can follow his example, spreading joy, faith, love and peace to all whom we encounter. (Reader) Isaiah 58:10 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Music) You who bring joy and peace into the world, Blessed and prospered shall be. You who relieve the burdens of the world , Grace and good will shall receive. And your light will shine as the morning, And your happiness glows as the dawn, And your love goes before you like a beacon, And the kingdom of heaven is your home. The angels above will guide you along. No ill shall befall one who trusts in the One. Protected and safe and sheltered by love, Your destiny’s shining as bright as the sun. =======================================================
9. IF I BE LIFTED UP (Solo-Any Voice, with Choir) (Narrator) When we are spiritually strong, we lead joyful lives of peace. When we are spiritually strong, we can, by word and deed, help others along their spiritual paths as well. When we allow the Christ to lift us up, we lift up the whole human race. (Reader) John 8:28 Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. (Music) Oh Love Divine I come to Thee, my heart is at Your feet. The fragrance of devotion may rise up forever sweet. My will has been surrendered to Your gentle voice in me. There's living wisdom in the words of love You said to me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me. And as the fruit is brought forth by the dying of the seed. May all my thoughts be yielding to Your guiding light in me. And all that is corruptible may be transformed, and be An offering acceptable to Thee. If I be lifted up, If I be lifted up, If I be lifted up the world will rise along with me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up the world will rise along with me. =======================================================
10. THE CHILD BORN IN ME (Choir and Congregation) (Narrator) Each of us can be like Jesus. The spiritual power that he expressed by being Godlike in his walk and conversation is available to all, as we go within and find the Mind, Spirit, and Soul of God. We invite you to stand and sing joyfully with the choir. [If necessary, tell how to find the lyrics and/or music for the song.] (Reader) I Cor. 13:13 Three things will last forever--faith, hope and love--and the greatest of these is love. (Music) The Child born in me this day ushers in the age of peace. All the nations of the earth live in harmony. The Child born in me this day ushers in the age of peace. All the nations of the earth are blessed. =======================================================
11. OFFERTORY: MY PRAYER (Instrumental Duet) (Narrator) {If this is the offering} Tonight (or today) we are filled with the joy of the gift of the Christ Presence within us. We invite you now to share the abundance that is the Christ expressing as you and through you. As the ushers come forward, we bless these gifts as expressions of your love, your strength, your creativity and your commitment to letting your light shine. {If this is not the offering} We appreciate the opportunity we have had to share with you this evening (or this afternoon). As you go out into the world, we invite you to share with others whenever God gives you the opportunity. (Reader) John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them. =======================================================
12. REPRISE (A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM) (Choir) (Narrator) Jesus, even as a child, expressed his spiritual nature and wisdom. As we are childlike in our faith, trust, and love, and as we find the path to the light, we can be in our spiritual homes, full of joy, and peace. (Reader) Psalm 19:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
MELODY A child will lead them home, never more to wander. The sadness and the tears of all the years will all be gone. Truth no more ignored, innocence restored, The crooked path will be set straight. A child will lead them home and love will be their fortress. The dream of pain and suffering will fade with light of day. Heaven on earth is a moment away, The moment when we see through love’s eyes.
COUNTERMELODY We march as one with love on our side. The sadness and the tears of years will all be gone. With faith and hope we travel on. Each step is closer to home. =======================================================
13. POSTLUDE (Choir Recessional) (Narrator) We appreciate each one who has come to be a part of our Christmas celebration. As we bring this celebration to a close, we remember those who have gone before, and those who lead us now in every way. We invite the audience to remain seated while the choir retires from the stage. (Reader) Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came a spake unto them saying, Go ye and teach all nations, anointing them is the name of [God] and of the [Christ] and of the [Holy Spirit]: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever i have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
2. OPENING: A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM (Choir) MELODY A child will lead them home, never more to wander. The sadness and the tears of all the years will all be gone. Truth no more ignored, innocence restored, The crooked path will be set straight. A child will lead them home and love will be their fortress. The dream of pain and suffering will fade with light of day. Heaven on earth is a moment away, The moment when we see through love’s eyes.
COUNTERMELODY We march as one with love on our side. The sadness and the tears of years will all be gone. With faith and hope we travel on. Each step is closer to home. =======================================================
3. INVOCATION: ONE (Alto Solo with Choir) (Narrator) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s [or today's] Christmas presentation of “A Child Will Lead Them”. We start with the reading of Scripture that speaks of the “new light, the new understanding that has been born in the consciousness of humanity through the birth of this child. (Reader) Matt. 4:16 The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light. John 1:9 That was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 10, 11 All mine are thine, and all thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. That they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in three, that they may also be one in us. (Music) There is only one presence, one power, In the Universe: God the good, Omnipotence, Omniscience, And Omnipresence. Amen. =======================================================
4. FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS (Duet for Soprano and Tenor) (Narrator) History is full of magical times. When the child Jesus was born, a new era came into being. As he grew in wisdom and understanding, he made a breakthrough in the very fabric of what it means to be human. With his awakening into his own true nature, he taught us of the Divinity within us all, the essence of all humanity, the Christ. By his example he showed us how to find our inherent beauty, goodness and spirituality. At that special time when Jesus was present on earth, we all gained a greater opportunity to find insight into the nature of God and the Universe. (Reader) Eccl. 3:1 to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 11 [God} hath make every thing beautiful in his time. (Music) For such a time as this =======================================================
5. ECHOES OF ANCIENT WORDS (Soprano Solo with Choral Background) (Narrator) At that time 2,000 years ago, the people of Israel were expecting God to send a great leader, a king who would bring Israel back to its former glory. This Messiah, the Anointed One of God, would guide them on new paths of greatness. But the prophecy from Old Testament sages spoke of another kind of anointed one, one who was a Prince of Peace. The prophecy was fulfilled with the coming of the Christ Consciousness into our midst. (Reader) Isaiah 11:6 (New International Version © 1984) The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
(Music) VERSE For unto us a child is born today. Unto us a Son is given. The government is on His shoulder, The Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor.
CHORUS Echoes of Ancient Words, a child is born this day. The star will show the way. You are the Christ. Echoes of Ancient Words, a child is born this day. The star will show the way. You are the Son of God.
VERSE Eastern star that brightly shines Shows the way to find the Child. Wise men seek and find within, God with us, Emmanuel. =======================================================
6. THE STONE THAT WAS REJECTED (Choir, with solos for Soprano, and Alto or Tenor) (Narrator) When Jesus came, many people began to follow his teachings, gaining a new path to becoming more Godlike in their thoughts and actions. Like all wise ones who are ahead of the times, Jesus did not find universal acceptance. In the end he accomplished what he came here to do, and provided a strong foundation for spiritual seekers in his own time, and for all who would come after him. (Reader) Psalm 118:22-24 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Music) The stone that was rejected is now the cornerstone. The Son of man, unlike the rest, had no home of His own. A treasure disregarded, a diamond in the rough, Forgotten by the many, to us His worth is shown. Hosanna, hosanna, glory in the highest! The heavens ring, the angels sing, the triumph of the heart, For God and man are reconciled, the kingdom is at hand. Prophesies of old are now fulfilled in us. The stone that was rejected is now the cornerstone. =======================================================
7. CHILD OF MY HEART (Instrumental Duet) (Narrator) As we listen to the beauty of the music, we invite you to contemplate the place of the Christ in your own life, and the spiritual path you are traveling. In this way you can gain perception and guidance from the Christ spirit that is within you. (Reader) Prov 2: 1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shat thou understand the power of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. =======================================================
8. AND YOUR LIGHT WILL SHINE (Soprano Solo) (Narrator) When Jesus came to the end of his earthly journey, the world was a better place because of the work that he had done. Each of us can follow his example, spreading joy, faith, love and peace to all whom we encounter. (Reader) Isaiah 58:10 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Music) You who bring joy and peace into the world, Blessed and prospered shall be. You who relieve the burdens of the world , Grace and good will shall receive. And your light will shine as the morning, And your happiness glows as the dawn, And your love goes before you like a beacon, And the kingdom of heaven is your home. The angels above will guide you along. No ill shall befall one who trusts in the One. Protected and safe and sheltered by love, Your destiny’s shining as bright as the sun. =======================================================
9. IF I BE LIFTED UP (Solo-Any Voice, with Choir) (Narrator) When we are spiritually strong, we lead joyful lives of peace. When we are spiritually strong, we can, by word and deed, help others along their spiritual paths as well. When we allow the Christ to lift us up, we lift up the whole human race. (Reader) John 8:28 Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. (Music) Oh Love Divine I come to Thee, my heart is at Your feet. The fragrance of devotion may rise up forever sweet. My will has been surrendered to Your gentle voice in me. There's living wisdom in the words of love You said to me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me. And as the fruit is brought forth by the dying of the seed. May all my thoughts be yielding to Your guiding light in me. And all that is corruptible may be transformed, and be An offering acceptable to Thee. If I be lifted up, If I be lifted up, If I be lifted up the world will rise along with me. If I be lifted up, if I be lifted up, If I be lifted up the world will rise along with me. =======================================================
10. THE CHILD BORN IN ME (Choir and Congregation) (Narrator) Each of us can be like Jesus. The spiritual power that he expressed by being Godlike in his walk and conversation is available to all, as we go within and find the Mind, Spirit, and Soul of God. We invite you to stand and sing joyfully with the choir. [If necessary, tell how to find the lyrics and/or music for the song.] (Reader) I Cor. 13:13 Three things will last forever--faith, hope and love--and the greatest of these is love. (Music) The Child born in me this day ushers in the age of peace. All the nations of the earth live in harmony. The Child born in me this day ushers in the age of peace. All the nations of the earth are blessed. =======================================================
11. OFFERTORY: MY PRAYER (Instrumental Duet) (Narrator) {If this is the offering} Tonight (or today) we are filled with the joy of the gift of the Christ Presence within us. We invite you now to share the abundance that is the Christ expressing as you and through you. As the ushers come forward, we bless these gifts as expressions of your love, your strength, your creativity and your commitment to letting your light shine. {If this is not the offering} We appreciate the opportunity we have had to share with you this evening (or this afternoon). As you go out into the world, we invite you to share with others whenever God gives you the opportunity. (Reader) John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them. =======================================================
12. REPRISE (A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM) (Choir) (Narrator) Jesus, even as a child, expressed his spiritual nature and wisdom. As we are childlike in our faith, trust, and love, and as we find the path to the light, we can be in our spiritual homes, full of joy, and peace. (Reader) Psalm 19:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
MELODY A child will lead them home, never more to wander. The sadness and the tears of all the years will all be gone. Truth no more ignored, innocence restored, The crooked path will be set straight. A child will lead them home and love will be their fortress. The dream of pain and suffering will fade with light of day. Heaven on earth is a moment away, The moment when we see through love’s eyes.
COUNTERMELODY We march as one with love on our side. The sadness and the tears of years will all be gone. With faith and hope we travel on. Each step is closer to home. =======================================================
13. POSTLUDE (Choir Recessional) (Narrator) We appreciate each one who has come to be a part of our Christmas celebration. As we bring this celebration to a close, we remember those who have gone before, and those who lead us now in every way. We invite the audience to remain seated while the choir retires from the stage. (Reader) Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came a spake unto them saying, Go ye and teach all nations, anointing them is the name of [God] and of the [Christ] and of the [Holy Spirit]: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever i have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
