The 12-passenger van was packed with 12 people headed to the Narroway Theater near Carowinds to enjoy dinner and a play, The Real Christmas Story. The journey was long. Only 60 miles, it took two hours and five minutes to get there from Salisbury because of heavy traffic. As I muttered and complained to myself, though, I couldn’t help but think about Mary’s trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem—almost 100 miles—and on a donkey—and pregnant as well! It would have taken days—not hours!

When we finally arrived, we sat down in our plush seats and were served quickly. While we scarfed down dinner, I thanked the Lord for the delicious meal.  We were hungry. We had been a few minutes late to the table. Again, can you imagine how hungry Mary must have been on her long trip?

Act 1 began. Beautiful costumes, beautiful music, great voices, traditional Christmas songs, and a cute sub-plot about Santa Claus, his elves, and Rudolph. While it was glorious secular entertainment, it felt somehow lacking. As a Christian, I was looking for something more, and then Santa Claus himself announced, “Now let me share with you the REAL Christmas Story!” And I got my wish!

And then Act 2—the real Christmas story came to life! I’ve never seen a more beautiful, moving, dramatic Spirit-filled presentation of the nativity. It was amazing! My heart soared as the Bible came to life before our eyes. The birth, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, shepherds, animals—so wondrous.

And then we observed the dedication of Jesus at the temple. Simeon and Anna, both prophets who had waited until old age to meet the Messiah, were filled with great joy as they saw the promised Son of God. Simeon prophesied. Anna testified. What a blessing!

Finally, came the magi—wise men from the east—majestic in their beautiful costumes. As they sang, I Have Seen the Light, my heart felt as if it would burst from my chest. There they were—the rich and powerful—bringing their gifts to an infant born in a manger. Their singing has resonated in my mind for days. I encourage you to study the words, listen to the recording, and embrace the message:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdPSxqa9TLU

I was a seeker for light in a dark world,
I looked for truth but settled for lies.
I had been blinded; I couldn’t see
Till the Star in Bethlehem’s sky opened my eyes.

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven’s throne!

There in a manger, an innocent baby;
Who could believe He was the One;
I can believe it, I know it’s true;
He changed my life; He is the light; He is God’s Son!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven’s throne!

We must tell the world

what we`ve seen today in Bethlehem!
He`s the promised King;

we bow down and worship Him!
We will worship Christ The King!

We will worship Christ The King!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven’s throne!

We must tell the world! That’s our calling here at Christmas—to put aside our thoughts of gifts and glitter and concentrate on the greatest Gift of all time—the Savior of the world!

Challenge: What about you? Have you carved out time for the Real Christmas Story? Or have you been so caught up in the frantic pace of the world that, like I, you may have failed to slow down to talk to HIM and thank Him for his ultimate gift–the source of our eternal salvation?

My prayer is that we will spend some time listening to the Holy Spirit and then sharing the message with others! Like the wise men, may we be filled with great wonder and awe. Like the shepherds and Anna, the prophetess, may we “begin praising God and talking about the child to everyone we meet.” (Luke 28:38)

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, I pray that you will make the most important decision of your life today. It is a matter of life and death–salvation or damnation. The Gift is free for the asking.

Merry Christmas! May your Christmas Day be filled with remembrances of the Real Christmas Story!