The Meaning of the Season

The first weekend of December is when our community kicks off the Christmas season!  Friday night and Saturday till 8 pm is a very festive time in our downtown area. People are walking through the shops, viewing live mannequins in the store windows, warming themselves with hot chocolate and getting in the "holiday" spirit!  It is a special time, but it is truly about the "holiday" season, the hustle and bustle of Christmas Shopping and holiday celebration.  My church decided to put a new spin on the festivities. We asked the churches that line the main streets to join us in putting together Live Scripture Scenes of the Christmas Story in from of their buildings. There was only one other church that joined us in doing this, the catholic church down the street and they set-up a wonderful display. Our church had the birth of Jesus to set-up. With the help of many people a stable was built, hay was brought in, a star was hung, spotlights were shining, Mary, Joseph and Shepherds filled the stable and a choir of Christmas Carols were sung.  The real meaning of Christmas became very clear. For 2 hours we stayed out in the cold, but our hearts were warmed with the spirit.  Cars drove by and honked, some stopped to watch and listen and other people walked over to see our display and join in conversation.  We felt the festive mood of the "holiday", but the spirit of what Christmas is really about, the birth of our Lord and Savior, warmed our hearts and touched the lives of those who passed by!