It is go-time!
Thanksgiving week is always a nice, relaxing time to be with family and thank the Lord for all his many blessings. Once it is done, our family breaks out the Christmas decorations and settles into one of our favorite seasons.
But at our church, it means we are in our final preparations for A CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS CAROL. Today is the full cast rehearsal. Tomorrow we build the sets. Friday is the Temecula parade. Saturday is All Church Outreach and the tech rehearsal. Next Thursday is the dress rehearsal, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Dec. 7–9) is our show!
As far as we can tell, each showing will be full. We added the third show this year to help with the crowds, but we might have to limit seating based on how many have signed up already. What a great “problem” to have!
Each attendee is a soul. Many of the guests we talked to last year were already Christians, but many were not, and they heard a clear Gospel presentation not only through the play, but at the close of the service, too.
We are doing the Christmas play for two reasons, the second reason being the most important.
First, we want to serve our community. We are thankful to present a Christmas play that rivals anything else in the area, and you can’t beat the cost—FREE! Obviously we are not to the same level as the Temecula Community Theater, for example, but for a church production, I am so pleased by the work you have put into our play. It is excellent.
Second, we want to preach the Gospel. EVERY person in our Temecula Valley will die one day and face God on judgment day. We want to do our part to try to tell them of the Good News that Jesus Christ died to take away their sin. We added a whole new scene in this year’s play that shows why Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a miserly old man, and we are praying that God will use the play to help people connect their own personal need for a Savior.
These rehearsals demand a level of commitment that is not common in today’s culture. Most of the things we do can be tailored to suit our needs. Don’t want to go to work, or that practice, or that meeting, or school? It’s flexible.
But I am thankful for a church that is not treating God’s work like it is no big deal. We take this play very seriously, and we have a great time in the process!
What a blessing to serve the Lord!
I’m so thankful to be able to serve Him with you. Please pray that God will use our efforts for His glory. -Pastor Ryan