“CHRISTMAS, AND THE LETTER “W”UnknownAmie202008-12-16T17:32:00Z2008-12-16T17:35:00Z2008-12-16T17:35:00Z16073461KYOWVA Evangelical Assn.288406011.0000“CHRISTMAS, AND THE LETTER “W”! By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr. The following article came to me and I thought it was worth the consideration of others. I have slightly edited it and added to it. “Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and, of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, my son seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in several minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to carry out their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect to see a nativity scene or hear a prayer or anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs about Frosty the Snow Man, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly “taken back” by its courageous title.(Continued)(Continued) My son was illuminated, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE", and I believe, He still is.Of course one can say that they believe this, but it takes action to demonstrate it in the presence of others and also so that God knows it (James 2:20). May we never be accused of leaving Christ out of Christmas or only recognizing Him at the times of His birth or resurrection. Plainly, don’t get short changed. Let’s be ready to meet our Maker. The Bible teaches that to avoid hell and gain heaven - one must: 1) Believe In Jesus As Savior (Acts 16:31) 2) Repent Of Sins (Acts 17:30) 3) Confess Christ Audibly (Acts 8:37) 4) Be Baptized In Water (Acts 2:38) 5) Live A Christian Life (Acts 14:22) 6) Be Active In the Church (2:47)KYOWVA Evangelistic Association * 1541 S. 7th Street * Ironton, OH 45638Web Page: www.kyowva.com * Free Bible Course Upon Request