Monday, December 21, 2020

December 21 – “Love Day and a Live Nativity"

Yesterday was “Love Day” in the church Advent calendar of highlights.  We had another pretty good crowd of folks gathered to do some worshipping and some “just being together-ing.”  Chris came.  She tried to jump right in and do her pre-church checklist of chores, but much to her dismay, she had to slow down when she began having shortness of breath and one of her chest pains.  Everything still got done, just not as quickly.  She wore her mask when more and more people began arriving. 

 

For the second week in a row I had a chance to talk one on one with someone who came to church wanting to talk about Jesus in their lives personally.  It appears that through the pandemic and some individual circumstances, people are being drawn to God. 

 

Last night we experienced a real treat.  One of the Seaside families who live on some acreage with horses and a few other animals decided they would get their family together and put on a live nativity scene.  They only decided two weeks ago, but the end result was nothing short of amazing.  The manger was set up in their stable.  Mary and Joseph arrived with their donkey, and their child played the role of Baby Jesus.  As they sat in the stable watching a sheep eat hay from the manger, some angels with lights and wearing beautiful white robes led some shepherds across the field and to the place where the baby was.  Then the three wise men began their trek across the field and placed their gifts before the baby.  We found out later that one of the gifts was missing, so they grabbed a present from under the Christmas tree inside.  Great theatrical save there, guys.  And all the while Christmas carols were being played.  My favorites among the actors were the littlest guys, of course.  Baby Jesus.  The 3-year-old shepherd.  The tiny little angel.  Oh, and I can’t forget the sheep eating from the manger and the donkey nearby and the horse who made a cameo appearance as well. 

 

You did a fine job, Wyrick Family.  Proud of you all.  And if you missed it, there will be a reprisal performance on Tuesday evening beginning at 5:30.  It’s at the corner of Pabst Road and Stewart Road.  If you can’t make it, a video of the performance can be found on the Seaside Church FaceBook page.

 

Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

 

Father, would you bless the Wyrick Family.  Give them a healthy and happy Christmas.  Amen.

1 comment:

Sharon said...

Thank you pastor Kelley!
It was great to see you and Chris last night. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you in our absence.
Blessed to have been taught that we can be a part of the church wherever we are. Our prayer is that our simple rendition of the Christmas story touches hearts, and draws our neighbors and family closer to the Christ child and our Saviour.