I remember a Christmas program that my church presented when I was a boy. Though it was about 50 years ago, I can recall quite a few details.
It started with a typical children’s Christmas program. I believe all the children sang Christmas songs and recited poems or Scriptures. It was a cute performance. However, I am not certain if any of the young children understood the significance of their program; all they knew was that they were making their parents happy. Perhaps, the older children realized that they were making God happy, too.
Then, the second half of the program featured a drama presented by the adults. The story was about how the birth of Jesus should touch our hearts with kindness and compassion toward other people, including strangers. Nearly every man in our small congregation was in the play, including my father. They were a bunch of amateurs, but their presentation is imbedded in my memory, probably because they did something out of the ordinary for them.
I realize that not everybody grew up in the church, like I did. Many people have not been involved in a church’s Christmas program. If so, they don’t know what they missed—the cuteness, the laughs, and the inspiration. Notwithstanding, I am so glad I had those experiences. They made a positive impression on me that I wish every child could have.
It is good that churches continue the tradition of presenting Christmas programs. We can see ads and announcements in the newspapers for all kinds of them. Not only are they an expression of worship to Christ, but also they are a good teaching aid for everybody, especially children who are impressionable, like I was.
These kinds of Christmas programs reinforce the age-old truth, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)
No matter how many Christmas programs we attend, may we never loose the wonder and awe that comes with the realization that Almighty God sent His Son to earth, wrapped up as a human baby. Furthermore, may our hearts be touched when we pause to think that He reached out to us through this amazing event because He truly loves each one of us. (John 3:16)
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil
©2009 Philip Walter