Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/519234
Foreword I find it interesting that God uses "trees" to tell us His Story. Think about it for a minute. From creation to the fall, from Bible prophecies to the promise of a Savior, and from the cross to heaven, God uses trees. He also uses them as a symbol to teach us about growth, strength, intimacy and life and death. I don't know about you, but I'll never be able to look at my Christmas tree the same. Another truth that is represented in a Christmas tree is that we as believers are part of God's family tree. Like the evergreen we are forever rooted and growing in His love. I was half way through writing this musical when Christmas rolled around and I saw Ann Voscamp's new Advent book in the store. I bought it and was fascinated to read about the "Jesse Tree." I had never heard of such a thing, but it seemed like the perfect way to help everyone keep the focus on Christ at Christmas. (Basically you create ornaments that represent events in the Old Testament that lead up to Christ's birth.) I tried incorporating some of this in the script, and I hope some of you might create your own Jesse tree in choir. Another key element in this work is the "Pay it forward" theme. It dawned on me one day that God really was the first one to "Pay it forward." And we as His children continue this "Pay it forward" theme when we love on those around us in Jesus' name. And thus, we hang our Jesse Trees upside down to show Christ came to us first while we were yet sinners. (Ro- mans 5:8) So it's true, our Christmas gift is not found under the tree, but on a tree. And forever and ever we will praise You, Jesus, for Your marvelous gift to us! Please know I'll be praying for you. May God bless your min- istries to His children and may He use this as a tool to add many young lives into His family tree. In Jesus' Name, Celeste Clydesdale Isaiah 11:1 For Preview Only