We have a great opportunity to get connected through participation this fall. Our upcoming Christmas program will combine choirs, children through adults, to share the message of Jesus’ birth through music and song. There will be several portions sharing the message through drama. This program is planned to be performed over several evenings, and there will be many opportunities for others to participate in ways other than singing or acting.
One interesting thing about this approach is that many different people of many different ages with many different skills and talents will work together as a body to communicate a single message: Jesus is born! There is a thin line that we tread when we have Christmas programs-the name itself makes us nervous as we try to balance the most important message the world has heard with the idea of performing music, singing songs, and acting. Those things are often done in a spotlight, focusing on the soloist, the lead actor, the musician, and filling those roles sometimes leads to competition. But with the many groups being assigned portions of the music, drama, set design and construction, audio production, and other tasks, no individual can take the spotlight. The team focuses on Jesus alone.
Ephesians 4:11-16 describes multiple roles-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers-but they’re all focused on one purpose: “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Because this event is for all ages, families can participate together. What better way to train children how to be part of the body than to have them work with their parents as part of the body! “As each part does its work,” we will become unified in our faith and knowledge of Jesus, from kids through adults. Want to get connected? Join the choirs, as a family. Volunteer your skills as a builder, painter, or speaker. Let’s work together to share the Good News of Jesus’ birth!