https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/25/christmas-card-perfect
For those who had been involved in Christmas presentations in church before, we know that it takes a lot of hard work and practice sessions to come out with the “perfect” presentation. There are churches that prepare 3 to 6 months in advance, but most of us probably start in November/December with some week day nights and most weekends dedicated to practice. Due to time constraints, some modifications inevitably would need to be made to the script as the road to perfection is ardous and is usually impossible for Christmas presentations! We make do with what the team can produce, although talented, rarely do this for a living in the church Christmas context.
As much as God in His wisdom had planned the birth of Jesus meticulously, the actual birth was not without its challenges. King Herod heard about it and was threatened that a King of Jews were to rise from his midst in his watch and thus used the decree by Ceasar that a census be taken for all male prospective births to secretly find and kill baby Jesus. When Joseph and Mary arrived at the inn after the census, there was no room left except a place at the stable among the animals. Thus, our Lord was born in a manger all forlorn. Yet the 3 Kings from the East (aka as the Magi or wisemen) manage to find Him following the star and the shepherds in the field, too, after angelic beings appeared before them proclaiming the birth of Christ! All ended well, but once in the natural, even our Immanuel (God with us) had to contend with nature and her elements.
This Christmas, be thankful that we have a God who created this world for us and yet took the trouble to come and lived amongst us as a man to die for our sins. He came to experience and showed us an example of dealing with what life throws us. As much as we can plan and script our lives, we know that things do not always turn out fully as expected. There are twists and turns, valleys, and mountain tops in this journey of life.
This Christmas, remember that God sent His only begotten Son to us so that we will not perish but have life eternal. Though He may lead me to the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for His staff and His rod comforted me. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me for the rest of my days as I dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to this world to live among us and die for our sins! We are forever grateful for your love and mercy and promise that we will do our best to fulfil your plans and purposes for our lives, that the will of the Father may be fulfilled here on earth through our lives as it is in heaven!
Blessed and merry Christmas, everyone! Have a joyous Christmas in church worshipping God and have a lovely time with friends and family!
Ronnie's Thoughts 