THE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!

“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 there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7. (NKJV).

Scenery in place, practices done, now? Show time.  The four and five year olds would take part and Susan, the director, was a bit nervous. Most of the children followed her directions but--she thought of Ricky. Definitely, a free spirit.

The angel choir stood on the risers and sang with gusto. Proud parents smiled, nudged one another. The narrator spoke, 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’ve sneaked in and scrunched his way under the pews down to the front. Belonged to one of the kids? Folks shuffled to let him past. 

As Mary and Joseph leaned over the manger, a head popped up from under the first pew, crawled over and peeped in.

“He’s alive,” Ricky shouted as he leaped to his feet. “He really is alive. Look, if you don’t believe me.” He pointed to the baby who began to cry, his fists swatting the air.

Susan hurried over, picked up her son, and turned. “So sorry. Didn’t mean to cause a fuss, but he fell asleep so I...” Applause and a standing ovation interrupted her.

Kingdom Thinking. Life today with Covid 19 and dissent causes fear and weariness. I have a choice. I can look at our problematic world or the Baby in the manger. He's Real. All God and all man. He lives, therefore I live. Now and throughout eternity. The Lord Jesus offers you the same. He loves you and promises never to forsake you. Won’t you receive Him? He’s alive! A true Christmas surprise!