11:55 pm

TO BE STAGED IN CHURCH

Preparation

Two Bookstands - with Electric lamps, suitably draped and facing the assembly
- are already in place in Sanctuary about 1 meter from the red carpet and about 2 meters from the edge of the sanctuary.

Two open folders containing the Proclamation plus hand-held Mics are ready for immediate use on the Bookstands.

The CM advises the people that some lights will be put OFF in order that the Church will be in semi-darkness.

Procession

The Ministers - 2 Proclaimers (L & R), 2 Candlebearers and an Acolyte with a bell - assemble at the Front Door. When they are ready the CM says: Please stand and face the aisle.

The Acolyte goes first, walking at a moderate pace.
He rings his bell opposite the 1st door - once " 2nd " - twice
At the base of the sanctuary he rings - three times
He ascends the Sanctuary, stands on the first Altar step and faces the Assembly.

The Candlebearers with lighted candles follow, keeping about 3 meters behind. When they reach the bottom of Sanctuary they bow to Altar, to each other, and take up positions at Right and Left of Bookstands. They assist the Proclaimers with their light if needed.

The Proclaimers follow the Candlebearers. keeping about 3 meters behind. When they reach the bottom of the Sanctuary they bow to Altar, towards each other and then take up assigned positions.

The Proclamation

The Proclaimers begin. Their voices should be slow and measured. They recount the history of Salvation from the beginning of the Universe until the Birth of Jesus. It is good news, joyful news, news that people on earth had been awaiting for over a million years. A pause of 2/3 seconds should follow each statement. They pause after each Section to allow the Acolyte the occasion to ring the Bell. [Once after the first section; twice after the 2nd; three times after the 3rd]. When the Proclaimers have read the words, THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST according to the flesh, he rings it vigorously for about 7 times. He now leaves the Sanctuary and goes to the Sacristy.

When finished, the two Proclaimers bow to each other, then to the Altar and follow the Bell Ringer to the Sacristy.

Personnel Required

CM _____________________________________
ACOLYTE with bell _________________________
CANDLEBEARER (left)    ____________________
CANDLEBEARER (right)_____________________
PROCLAIMER (left)    _______________________
PROCLAIMER (right)________________________