Last week, I mentioned the story of a third-grade girl at a Christmas pageant who was pretty small and couldn't see the manger. She had helped work on it and wanted to see Jesus in the manger. Frustrated, she yelled out, "Let Jesus show!" That this comment was really LOUD and heard by everyone during the program was just fine with the director and the pastors. And this story is making quite the rounds this Christmas in America.
I'm not sure where it was, but only that it was at an Episcopal church somewhere in our great land. What a rich and poetic comment! The point of today's program by the children is to Let Jesus Show. Even if they forget words, fidget and look down more than sing or speak, they are trying to do what that little girl did at the church. To say without doubt or question that Jesus our Savior, is born in Bethlehem! May the grace AND truth of our Lord Jesus Christ make its way into your heart and mind and soul "from the mouths of babes." Joy in him, and see you Tuesday or Wednesday!
I used to be "shy." I was a quiet kid and a careful observer of people. Those are good qualities but I remember how I'd watch with amazement at other kids who would bring friends to class, unsure of how they did that. And then truth be told, I was a l ittle miffed at the new kids for either not listening to the teacher or using too much glue, or smooshing the tips of markers in till they were useless. But what a different perspective I have now, as a pastor! What an opportunity it all was to SHOW the new kids life in Christ. I wasn't against the concept as a kid, just unsure how to do it. Upon meeting Yanti, who went with many friends to their churches and invited many friends to hers, I found the zenith of joy in the Savior and inviting others to see Him. So, maybe you are shy. Maybe you are more like Yanti. But we in leadership ask you, beg you to invite just one person to come with you to church this Advent and Christmas if you are shy. If you are like Yanti, try to keep it around a manageable 100 new friends! You may have better luck remembering their names that way. (haha!) At any rate, invite them to see Jesus. The story goes that a 9-year old girl was forced to the back of a Christmas program at her church. She couldn't see Jesus and so she yelled out, "Let Jesus show!" And that is an excellent statement for us in church leadership and as "regulars" in this congregation. This Christmas, Let. Jesus. Show. Let your joy in Him spill over onto others. Jesus is for all people everywhere.