In Luke 2:4-7, we read: “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manager, because their was no room for them in the inn.
The scenery in place, the practices done, the time had come for the performance. The four and five year olds would take part this year and Susan, the director, was a bit nervous. Most of the children were well behaved and followed directions but then there was Ricky. Definitely, a free spirit.
The angel choir stood on the risers, evergreens in front of them, and sang their songs with gusto. The parents smiled, proud of their little ones. The narrator did his part, pulling the emotional strings at just the right moment.
Susan smiled. So far, so good. And then...
A stirring from the back of the church. A dog must have sneaked in and was making it’s way down to the front under the pews. Probably belonged to one of the kids in the pageant. Folks shuffled to let him past. Just as “Mary and Joseph” leaned over the manger, a head popped up from under the first pew, crawled over to the manger and peeped in.
“He’s alive,” Ricky shouted to the stunned audience. “He really is alive. Look, if you don’t believe me.” He pointed to the baby who began to cry, his little fists swatting the air.
Susan hurried over, picked up her baby, and turned to the audience. “Didn’t mean to cause a fuss, but he was sleeping soundly so I...” Applause and a standing ovation from the congregation let her know all was well.
In my busy life, I fail to remember that the Baby in the manger is Real. All God and all man. He came to provide room for me. He lives, therefore I live. Now and throughout all eternity.
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus offers you the same. He loves you with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake you. Won’t you receive Him? He waits for you--with room aplenty.
The angel choir stood on the risers, evergreens in front of them, and sang their songs with gusto. The parents smiled, proud of their little ones. The narrator did his part, pulling the emotional strings at just the right moment.
Susan smiled. So far, so good. And then...
A stirring from the back of the church. A dog must have sneaked in and was making it’s way down to the front under the pews. Probably belonged to one of the kids in the pageant. Folks shuffled to let him past. Just as “Mary and Joseph” leaned over the manger, a head popped up from under the first pew, crawled over to the manger and peeped in.
“He’s alive,” Ricky shouted to the stunned audience. “He really is alive. Look, if you don’t believe me.” He pointed to the baby who began to cry, his little fists swatting the air.Susan hurried over, picked up her baby, and turned to the audience. “Didn’t mean to cause a fuss, but he was sleeping soundly so I...” Applause and a standing ovation from the congregation let her know all was well.
In my busy life, I fail to remember that the Baby in the manger is Real. All God and all man. He came to provide room for me. He lives, therefore I live. Now and throughout all eternity.
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus offers you the same. He loves you with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake you. Won’t you receive Him? He waits for you--with room aplenty.