Children’s Pageant: What is Christmas without children in bathrobes proclaiming, “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes the Messiah, the Lord has been born tonight in Bethlehem…” Meanwhile two angels are shoving over who stands in front, baby Jesus is passed over everyone’s head to a waiting mother with a fresh diaper and a shepherd wanders from the group.

Death on a Bridge: Two teenagers died when they were bumped from a railroad trestle by a Norfolk Southern freight train. Miraculously, another survived thanks to a dramatic rescue. “I wish we could have saved the others,” a rescuer said. “Now there are two families without their kids for Christmas.”

“A Night at the Inn” We were greeted at the door by young waiters and seated at our table. On stage were musicians and jugglers along with the innkeeper’s family and several guests. In between food servings we sang Christmas carols and watched the drama of Christ’s birth unfold as if we were there.

Divorce Recovery Group Graduates: Several months ago, they were brokenhearted individuals who shared the tragedy of divorce. As each one told their stories, God’s Holy Spirit began to stir within the room and a miracle of healing began. Tonight, they were a group of friends, laughing and celebrating their graduation with a Christmas party. Next week, they are all going out to eat together. After that…

Christmas Cantata: Music can be the gateway to the soul but not always at rehearsals. For some reason, Cantata’s seldom sound right until the proper time. Is it because God’s Holy Spirit takes over turning an ordinary performance into inspired worship? I like that answer. Speaking of taking over, one choir member was taken over by the flu, turned green and was led away. There is always something… 

Something else happened during our Christmas events. People attended who had not been to church in long while. Why? Maybe some had simply been too busy… Some didn’t think church was very important… A few were angry at the church or the preacher or God… Some were struggling with serious faith issues… Yet during Christmas, they came back. Whether looking for answers or seeking comfort at Christmas, people often come back. Such is the power of God at Christmas.