At some point recently the sound system was finally shut down, the video equipment was turned off and the last light went cold. This is the finish line and you just crossed it.
Congratulations!
For some production teams this is the culmination of months of writing, planning, programming and rehearsing. Now it is over. The whirlwind has finally settled down as if Jesus himself stretched his hand out and called “Peace be still.”
This can be a bittersweet moment for production crews, musicians, actors and ministers. All the money, time, energy and preparation spent to pull off something that boldly proclaims the birthday of our Savior is now just a fading memory. You slowly walk to your car after everyone else has has gone home and wonder: was it worth it?
Yes!
Just as God orchestrated stars, angels, shepherds, animals and a dirty barn he has just used you to continue spreading this Good News! People came. People were inspired. Lives were changed. Hearts were touched with the amazing story about a loving God who sent his only Son to come and save the world. And you played a part in it!
It is incredible how the birth of a child in a barn would continue to ignite sparks of creativity thousands of years later. In some ways this was the most spectacular event in all of history complete with wise men, singing angels and animals. Yet in other ways, it was a non-event consisting of an over-crowded hotel, an unsanitary shed, and an emergency birth.
The details of the birth matter very little though. It is the One who was born that matters; this innocent child born of a virgin. The Savior. The Messiah. Emmanuel. And you have just played a part in proclaiming this news.
It is awe-inspiring to imagine that as God was planning the production of the first Christmas he also knew that you would be playing a part in proclaiming it as well. Some of us have roles behind the scenes and some are under spotlight and God knew this and planned for it. As he was planning the spectacle of angels triumphantly serenading lonely shepherd he was also planning to have you play a part in this production as well.
As you now begin the transition from serving at church to celebrating with your family and loved ones, take time to reflect on the miracle in which you just played an integral part. God sent his Son to this earth to bring peace and salvation, and he wanted you to play a part of it. He choreographed your role and prepared you to play your part. He didn't want someone else. He wanted you.
We can all look at our productions and find flaws with them. Maybe there was feedback; maybe someone forgot their lines; maybe everything went wrong that possibly could go wrong; maybe someone even complained.
Do not think for one second that this caught God off guard. It would be easy to think that being born in a manger was a mistake too, but it was not. It was all part of God's grand production. It was His way of proclaiming the Good News to this world. A Savior is born! Jesus.
Regardless of what is on your résumé, this is your crowning achievement. You played a critical role. You helped to proclaim Jesus to the world.
