The Story

This weekend is our annual Nativity play.

There are two reasons why we do this, in some shape or form.

The first is that our children and youth are still learning the story of Jesus's birth and one of the best ways to imprint something on our hearts is by physically doing it.

The second reason is that every time I engage the narrative from Luke and Matthew's gospels, I find something new. An insight or a key element that I had missed until now.

Because the truth is that when we hear a story in the same way too often, it becomes rote and we no longer pay attention to what we are saying or listening to. Whereas, if we mix up the words a bit and highlight different elements, it gives us a new viewpoint. (For a fun look, it would be worth watching "That Christmas" on Netflix for something completely different and hilarious.)

We need to see the story with new eyes because God is very much alive and at work in the world. And if we fall asleep to that movement, we miss all the wonderful opportunities to spread God's love as they cross our paths.

My hope is that this final Sunday of Advent, as we worship with special music and storytelling and laughter, that we will look again at all the places God is alive and well and all those places where we can join in Christ's mission of serving our fellow humans.

Blessings,

Rev. Janie