Yesterday was fun, it was exciting, it was exhausting, it was encouraging, it was frustrating and it was life changing. How is that for a Sunday? As for my musings …

-Our Children presented the Christmas story in song and drama yesterday. They did an outstanding job. It was lively, very clear, fun and very energetic. Our preschoolers were exactly what you expect them to be, cute, funny, and we had a few microphone stealers and a couple of runaways.

-Our kids did a great job inviting friends and family to come to their presentation. We had the largest attendance we have had in my almost 2 years. It was 30 more than we had on Easter Sunday.

-The best part about the large number of visitors was how many of them are from our community and that myself and many regular attenders, were able to have some great conversations with them. We are praying for the seeds that were planted and for those who embraced the message. We are now seeking to reach out to many of those who attended and build those relationships.

-We had to bring in extra seating, even after the service began. Thanks to the guys who brought extra chairs in and also put them away.

-I love that the Christmas story, of the Savior being born in a stable and the shepherds being the first to get the news is awesome. It is not a perfect story by human standards, but it is perfect because it shows that a Savior was born to all of us imperfect people who have messes in our lives. The children’s presentation brought that point home in a powerful way. Thanks kids.

-There was a lot of chaos as everyone was getting ready yesterday. There was a lot of chaos as people arrived early (that never happens on a regular Sunday) and rushed to get the seats up front (that never happens on a regular Sunday). This caused many regulars to have to sit somewhere other than their regular spot, I loved it!

-Our revamped sound system was tested severely yesterday with the kids program. It passed with flying colors. I shudder to think of what we wouldn’t have heard if our new system had not been installed in time for the program.

-I just heard a report of a someone who attended yesterday and said that the message of the kid’s presentation spoke powerfully to them. I love it!

-It did seem a little odd to have our Christmas program when it was 62 degrees outside. But I am not complaining, just observing that it seemed odd. I could get used to odd. (I believe there are many people who would comment that I got used to odd a long time ago.)

-It was funny to see my steps total from yesterday was 2,000 less than a normal Sunday. Why? I didn’t preach yesterday.

-My wife was the leader of the kids program this year. She is going to be mad that I mentioned this, I am hoping for a little grace to be shown. She recruited a lot of great helpers, but I know she is very relieved that the program is over and that it was so well received.

-Unfortunately I did have to spend some time taking care of some stuff that someone else was supposed to have done before Sunday. However, it comes with the territory many weeks.

-I am very excited to preach this next Sunday. I am excited because I didn’t preach yesterday (I did a brief wrap up of the program near the end) and I am excited because I am really into this Christmas series on the “Secret Wishes at Christmas”.

-Missing my kids and grandkids who are ministering in Kenya. This is their 3^rd Christmas in Kenya, but for some reason I am missing them extra this year.

Here’s hoping you are excited as you look forward to this week. Here’s hoping you find an opportunity to bring some encouragement to someone today.

Dennis