Dec
12
Written by:
host
12/12/2008 7:00 AM
I love Advent and Christmas. I value the traditions that my family has developed for celebrating Jesus’ birth. Still, at times I am overwhelmed by the busyness and commercialism that can so easily predominate this time of year. Recently, a friend of mine shared a book that helped me remember the role each one of us plays in the Christmas story.
The Christmas Play: A Fable for the Holidays
The Christmas Play: A Fable for the Holidays written by Carol Lynn Pearson is the story of a person auditioning to be in a Christmas play. It’s a short book, easily read in a few minutes. The director describes the attributes of each character in the play, beginning with the angel.
“I bet you’d be a fine angel. You do proclaim peace and good will, don’t you? And bring good tidings of great joy? You don’t complain a lot, do you?”
As each role is described – shepherd, wise man, the one who gives birth, Joseph, the Holy Child – the person’s heart sinks. My favorite line of the book is, “Do you need a sheep?”
I won’t give away the ending, in case you decide to seek out the book and read it yourself. The overall message of the book is appropriate to reflect upon as we head into the weekend and celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. Each one of us has a part to play in the Christmas story. How are you sharing the message of Christmas – Immanuel, God with us – not just during Advent, but all year long?
~Sally Hoelscher