And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)
Tuesday in our campus chapel we spent the hour singing carols, listening to a student read aloud the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2, and gazing upon a live still scene of the Nativity.
As the story was read, the characters of the Nativity entered stage right—first Mary and the baby Jesus, then Joseph, then the angel and the shepherds, and finally the wise men. The characters were students. They were student leaders—who love God—and who weren’t afraid to stand before a crowd of their peers (most of whom are not Christians) and play a part in honoring and presenting the real meaning of Christmas.
The live still scene wasn’t that spectacular and actually the students looked kind on funny in the long robes. At times the students grinned in embarrassment…but despite what they felt, they did it. They played the part, humbly, sincerely and willingly.
No one made fun of them and no one mocked them. The hour was a time of reflection, singing, warmth, respite, safety and peace for all in attendance.
When it comes to the Christmas story, the mocking, the teasing, the scoffing, the embarrassment and the pain all come later. It all happens to Jesus on the cross as he bears the cross for you and for me. He bore the sin and the shame so we wouldn’t have to. Because of Jesus, today we can consider the scene at the manger and know of a place of warmth, respite, safety, peace, hope and love.
I so enjoyed the Christmas chapel service. With my eyes fixed upon the Nativity scene I sang the carols through a lump in my throat. The last song of the service was a “peppy” version of “Angels We Have Heard On High.” As I gazed at the scene before me my eyes welled with tears and then….......I lost it.
I lost it because the angel started to dance. She knew it was the last song, the program was nearly over, her smile brightened and she danced--and I loved it.
With Christmas comes the reminder that the time of fear is over. In Jesus, it is time to dance!
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
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