Reflections . . . Christmas Pageant 2012 - Part II

I have just completed my end of the Pageant ritual, first of ALL putting away my costumes, and then the party, and then the long awaited trip home to shave off my beard, cleanse my skin of all make-up, and plan for an early barbershop appointment with Paul Rogers, my barber of 30 years. He has been gracious to let me have my post-Pageant haircut even before regular business hours. When I first shaved off my beard, I was amazed how young I looked without it. Today, I am not so sure. I get mixed reviews. However, as my life settles back to life without Pageant, I realize each year I am changed in my inner man in ways that are much more difficult to detect from the outside.

I heard on the way to our Christmas Pageant the continuing saga of the "War On Christmas." Such comments always shock me. Who would want to destroy the greatest of all celebrations? What is it they are so afraid of? What offends them so much to seek to shut it down? While I am aware of the fallen condition of its human heart and answers to explain the politics of such discussions, I am again amazed at the intensity of such assault on this our celebration of hope, the coming of our precious Lord as a baby, the coming of our salvation.

Then I realize our Christmas Pageant is waging a real war. We the members and guests of Emmanuel are celebrating Christmas with full force and all our energy. Each part of our church participates whether passively or actively. Together we embrace the renovation of our worship center, the rearrangement of schedules to accommodate the Christmas Pageant performances and practices. We witness the fullness of the body as each part utilizes its resources to share to the best of our abilities a clear presentation of the Gospel. I am always astounded by the unity and sacrifice of so many believers each offering their own gift of service. It’s true I sometimes hear cries of being tired in the midst of it all, but like so many things, the work becomes a badge of honor and seems to build an even tighter bond in the midst of the body of Emmanuel. We the people of Emmanuel seek to share the message of Christmas with full force to all in our community, Northwest Oklahoma and now to the world. We actively engage in this battle to keep our Lord and Savior the center of this busy season.

In the midst of this proclamation of Christ’s coming, I am encouraged each year with new friends I encounter. I am taken back by the kind words of our guests. I am edified by stories of Christmas Pageants of long ago that still affect the hearts of those coming back. As I reflect on past years, I miss the books of the Bible by our Pastor. I miss the song of David Jenkins many years ago of Peter’s betrayal. I miss the songs of Brian Jenkins and Joyce Bonnett and Elizabeth Stone. I miss the presence of Patsy Cox and seeing her smile so boldly as I slipped my hands over her withered hands. Then I reflect on the present—Steve Yarbrough’s portrayal of Lazarus. I actually imagine I am there. I begin to visualize the words of Scripture in a way I never imagined before. I see a dead man come alive. I witness the reality of his greatest miracles before my eyes.

I think of the unique experiences afforded me this year. A new friend, a young Air Force pilot making a brief stop in Enid, but managing to find a way to plug into our Pageant. I think of a young Chinese immigrant who never heard the story of the Gospel. I think of a mentally handicapped young man crying as he identifies the pain of Jesus crying out on the rock in prayer. I sense this young man understands pain in a way I cannot fathom and I am humbled by his compassion and faith.

There is both a sense of discomfort and honor in portraying Christ before our congregation. While we are all to represent Christ, I realize many people do not remember my given name but only remember me as Jesus. I realize my actions matter. I feel like Peter making bold claims but being very weak and capable of the greatest of all falls in a moment. There is also a sense of great pride in being associated with such an army of volunteers. There is also a blessing in portraying the role of Christ. I wish every one could be lifted up on the cross, to carry the cross through an angry mob, to walk in the midst of clouds among angels, to look at the soldiers that crucified you, to gaze upon the audience as I pray over the rock of (Gethsemane) and to feel the new found victory of Jesus coming out of the tomb. These are all moments, I cherish. They are intensely personal.

Today I learned that over 450 people watched our Pageant online. I realize that one day, more may watch online that be seated in our pews. My spirit rests and knows that we proclaim a message the whole world needs to hear. We will win the war on Christmas ... one soul at a time.

Craig Shriner

Reflections . . . Christmas Pageant 2012 - Part I

The surf is up! I am riding a spiritual wave after the conclusion of our annual Christmas Pageant. What a blessing it was to be a part of such a wonderful worship event. What a tremendous opportunity to bring glory and honor to the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord. Almost 300 volunteers laid this Pageant at Christ's feet—a tiny offering compared to Calvary but one we desperately wanted to give. Our goal was to present the good news of the gospel and share the joy and peace He provides. The Pageant with all its drama, music, singing, costumes, props, staging, and effects could never hope to save a single soul. Only Jesus saves! Faith in the blood of Christ saves! Accepting God's grace through faith in what Jesus did for us saves! We are to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Ours is to share. His is to save. The Christmas Pageant is a tool used by God to cut deep and true. I am reminded of what John the Baptist shared in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." He is increased when we take the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and wield it with confidence. Know God with your head, love God with your heart, and share God with your lips. If we can die to self and abandon ourselves to God's mission, we can be confident the Holy Spirit will use the Holy Scripture to make us whole and holy.

Some lyrics from the Pageant crucifixion scene: "He could have left the garden long before he was betrayed. He could have summoned angels to come and end the pain. But He willingly surrendered there as He laid down His life—the Shepherd given as the Lamb to be our sacrifice. He chose the cross. He heard the call. He saw the need and gave his all. His heart compelled by love's greatest cause, to seek and save He chose the cross."

Do I really understand the depth, width and height of what He did for me on the cross? His love is too deep, wide and high for me to comprehend. But I know He loves me nonetheless and He will never fail me. The promises of God are...eternal, unyielding, binding, spectacular, righteous and holy. How great thou art! Isn't it oh so humbling to serve such an awesome God?! We have been transformed and can't help but proclaim Him as Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, and the Lamb of Glory. He is truly the Lord of all!

May the richest blessings of the Christmas gospel message overflow within you this holiday season. The baby born of a virgin, the carpenter of Nazareth, the Jesus of ministry, the Christ of the cross, the creator of the universe...He dwells within you! Truly He is the greatest gift of all.

Hey, I have to go. Surf’s up again. There's another really great wave coming in I have to catch! Hope to see you out on God's ocean of faith, hope, and love. Merry Christmas!

For His Increase,

Steve Yarbrough (a.k.a., Lazarus)