An Invitation... Step Into My Evening

Tonight I spent an hour and ten minutes listening to an incredible Christmas Celebration at my church. There was something for everyone...

Our prelude music was played by a remarkable brass-ensemble that stretched across the stage, then five of our prominent "adult" members became "child-like" as they acted and sang, under the lively direction of Allison Pittman, through "Toys" with our combined choirs.

Hearts were encouraged, as Christmas Carols and worship music sprung forth, from our Pre-K choir, children choir, youth choir, adult choir and our Evergreens (our most mature saints) filling the sanctuary with joy.

Our teens in Cadence, my son Sam III included, busted into the night with "Stomp/Blueman Group style" music that got everyone rocking - it's amazing what these kids can do with PVC pipe, hollow plastic tubes and trash cans!

The Fishers of Men quartet drew us close to the Lord with "Only God", then the Student Handbells plucked and slammed out "We Three Kings"... seriously it is such a great sound.

When Richard Barnett's English brogue sliced through the silence with a "Christmas reading", my eyes closed without encouragement as I sat in the darkness breathing in his eloquent words reminding me of who Jesus is.

A standing ovation promptly followed the "Nutcracker Suite" performed to perfection by our orchestra. Might I add, our director, Chris, is not much over 21 and phenomenal.

After our third "everyone stand up and join us in singing..." Christmas carol, the Adult Handbells blessed us with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", did I mention I LOVE hand-bells, oh it was wonderful.

Pastor shared the true reason for the season and how his recent trip to Peru reminded him of Bethlehem... to the point of waking up on a straw bed surrounded by animals... hmmm

I agree with Pastor David, "If I had a choice of which time period I would come to earth, I would have selected the twenty first century, not two thousand years ago... air conditioning and a real bed are great things."

And yet...

Jesus came... fully man, fully God to a lowly manger with stinky hay and smelly animals. No showers, or malls. No cell phones or internet. Just one man on a mission to show the world how much He loves us.

If you don't know Jesus, the real reason for this season, I'd love to introduce Him to you.