AN OUT-OF-THE-BOX CHRISTMAS

     On December 22nd at 6pm, after just eight practices, a cast of thirty-four kids, ranging in ages from 3 to 17, came together to present a musical to a packed house of family and friends. The traditional costumes were missing, so the story was told by some very unlikely characters. Western wisemen, who wrangled up some unique gifts for the King including  a  pair  of  boots,  a  hat,  and  a  lasso. Treasure-seeking  shepherds,  who  were  searching  for  the  greatest treasure  of  all.  Spirit-filled  angels,  who cheered  the  shepherds  on  along  their  journey  and  shared  the  great  joy  of Jesus’ birth. And, let’s not forget the Superhero angel, Gabriel who reminded us all to “Have no fear, the savior is here!”  But  wait, people  won’t  understand  the  Christmas  story  if  we  don’t have  the right  costumes...will  they? Cowboys,  pirates,  and cheerleaders,  oh  my! It wasn’t like any other Christmas pageant ever, but you never know what our great big God will do to reach someone with His love. The presentation was certainly “Out-of-the-Box”, but the heart of the message was clear...Good News, Great Joy, Christ is Born! Merry Christmas and Glory to God in the Highest!

     PLACES EVERYONE!

• Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24
  

     THIS IS BIZARRE! THIS IS BERSERK!

• Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
  

     GIDDY UP!

• After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We have seen his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
  

     A SUPER-DUPER HERO OF FAITH!

• But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” Luke 2:10
  

     ARE YOU READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS?

• But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.” Luke 2:10
  
• Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
  

     YO HO HO! AND AWAY WE GO!

• When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15
  

     A CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
  
• The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will nolonger rebuke you butwill rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
  

     A NIGHT TO REMEMBER with ARE YOU READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS? (REPRISE)

• May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who longfor your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:16
  

                                                                 God Bless,
                                                             Jeanelle Thorn