It was getting close to the end a beautiful Hanging of the
Green service. The church auditorium had
been transformed from a plain worship center to a beautifully decorated
reminder of the birth of Jesus. The giant wreaths had been hung on either side
of the baptistery window. The garland had been strategically hung around the
auditorium. The Christmon tree had been decorated by the children with the
symbols of Jesus Christ. The poinsettias had been placed across the steps of
the stage. And the Advent wreath with its three purple and one pink candle surrounding
the white Christ candle had been placed in its prominent location. All that remained was the placing of the
nativity in front of the pulpit.
With each figurine, an explanation of the character they
represented was shared; Mary, the mother of Jesus, Joseph, his earthly father,
the shepherds who were the first to hear and see the Christ child, and finally
the wise men who worshiped the King of kings. As the pastor looked to the
audience and stated that now we are ready to enter into the Christmas season, a
young boy shouted, “But you forgot the baby!” Startled by what had happened the congregation
after that awkward moment, chuckled while his mother and father gasped that
their child would speak out in that manner. The pastor explained that it had
all been a set up that he and the boy had planned before the service to make a point.
During this time of merry making and good cheer, with
everything we do to get ready for Christmas day, let us be sure that we don’t
forget the baby. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the set time
had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those under
the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (NIV).
