As of this writing, Christmas is a week away. The children have been busy creating hundreds of cards and ornaments, and donating food items for the Christmas baskets. They’ve been proudly memorizing their lines and rehearsing their songs for the pageant. The teenagers are getting ready to help deliver the baskets. Everyone is excited to help out around the community. The message of God’s love is alive and well.

Recently, I was told a story about a church that only allowed eight children in their pageant, and a child with special needs, who wanted to participate, was never included. Here at St Paul’s, we include everyone. I’m sure it would be easier not to have 60 children in the pageant. Rehearsals get pretty chaotic, but I feel the important thing is that as long as the children are doing their best, then God is happy. As with God’s love, all are welcome and equal in His sight. This season is about showing God’s love and sharing it with others. I feel honored to be in the position to work with these children and their teachers. They show us, in so many ways, the true meaning of Christmas.