Monday Morning Musings ...

Yesterday was a fun day. It is always fun when the children do their thing. As a part of our morning worship the children did their Christmas program. There were babies who were carried up to be shown off. There were toddlers with bells on their wrists singing and shaking their way across the platform. There was a Christmas story told, acted and sung by the elementary aged children. There were a few normal kid moments. Frozen brains and forgotten lines. There was the obligatory grabbing of the microphones by little ones. There were the kids who moved everywhere. Those who did nothing but smile, wave and say hi to mom and dad. There were the ones who just stood still and stared with that what am I doing up here and why are all of you looking at me expression. But as usual the kids stole the show and our hearts. I have always told the leaders of children's programs not to worry about how the kids do up front. That everyone will enjoy it just because they are up front and that the occasional dress over the head or moon shot just adds to the cuteness factor, until they get around 5th or 6th grades.

We had a lot of unchurched parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who came to see their kid up front. That makes all the effort and time worth every ounce of energy. My prayer is that we really welcomed them, made them feel like they could come back for a "regular" service and that some seeds were planted about Jesus becoming Lord and Savior in their lives.

We had the largest group of kids involved of the 4 Christmases that I have been here. We had a great attendance. There were some glitches, a mike cutting out, some kids not coming up for their song, our worship registers not getting put out and my program closing illustration fizzling. But it was a good morning.

In the evening I has someone else teach for me because my wife and I shared in a service for Hospice. Every year on the first Sunday night of December Hospice has a tree lighting service. This is honor hospice and it's workers and to remember those loved ones we have lost. It is always a special night. I prayed and shared a few remarks and my wife sang one of the special songs on the evening. To hear people share who they are remembering is always a touching moment. It is humbling, inspiring and encouraging.

All in all a good day.