Written by Arlene Stamper of the Village Church
When I think back to memorable moments at Christmas, there is one special time that still stands out to me. I was babysitting my granddaughter who was about ten years old at the time. I asked her if she’d like to go see live animals at a “play” nearby. Well, that caught her attention as she loved animals. She would sleep every night with about 100 stuffed animals surrounding her! We drove over to the Escondido Methodist Church that evening. They were holding their annual recreation of the birth of Jesus. We waited in the church sanctuary for our turn to go into the little town of Bethlehem. We were assigned Hebrew names and Lauren practiced saying her “name” in case one of the soldiers asked for her name. When we were escorted into Bethlehem, we saw the villagers selling their wares and even live animals in stalls (which my granddaughter loved!). There was also excitement in the air. Everyone was talking about the bright star in the sky! And the coming of a Savior! My granddaughter was enthralled with all the activity and yes, a bit apprehensive about the soldiers marching in the street. We were told to leave as the Romans were coming. Our guide then took us to a safe place, a stable where we saw a live baby and its parents…. baby Jesus, Mary & Joseph. And they recounted to us the birth of our Savior. It is now 10 years later; my granddaughter is a Junior at Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska. Although she has not been a regular church attendee, she made the decision to go on the Creighton Encounter with Christ Retreat. Of course, I am thrilled to hear she is going. Even though it’s been many years ago now that she had an introduction to baby Jesus at the Stable in the Inn, I am praying that at this retreat, she will learn much more about the grown-up Jesus and the life she can have in Him. May you and your family also draw nearer to Christ during this holiest of seasons. Merry Christmas to you All!
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