Celebrating the Christmas message

Sunday
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2

This evening we went out to Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township - about a 25-minute drive north west from us. Ten years ago this would have been really in the country, but now modern housing developments are drawing ever closer. The family now run an inn in addition to the farm. They have a special Christmas display, featuring a walk through the Bible, with a life-size nativity and numerous pictorial depictions of certain events from the Bible. Visitors enjoy tens of thousands of lights that illuminate the path, and speakers set the mood with Christmas music as you walk. The display ends at a huge barn, where at the weekend they have musical entertainment provided by different groups and individuals. The amazing thing is it's all FREE - including free hot chocolate and cookies. There's a box in the barn where you can place donations, but there's no emphasis on it. Its a wonderful ministry reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas. There are numerous light displays around town, but this is the only one which dwells entirely on the Bible - not a Santa or Frosty the Snowman in sight!

This morning was a long morning at church. We weren't there any longer than usual, but rather than just singing one anthem and a few hymns and second service leaving after the anthem, this morning was our special Christmas music presentation, so we were singing much of the time for both services, then we had our usual hand-bell practice afterwards. So we were pretty tired afterwards - but a good sort of tired! It went pretty well - especially at second service - I guess we were better warmed up by then!