“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands” – Psalm 100:1
This has been a particularly inspirational Christmas season at the Michaels home. Dee and I have been able to enjoy the blessedness of a slower pace, along with time for personal reflection that quite honestly had been missing in years gone by. Admittedly, it’s very easy to get caught up in the holiday routine and various secular traditions.
First, our church – World Outreach Church of Murfreesboro, TN – had a wonderful Christmas program that was presented by the youth of the church. The theme was, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ with singing, artful dancing, and scenes from the 1965 television special as part of the backdrop.
As I thought back to my childhood years, I remembered watching the original ‘Charlie Brown’ television special in 1965. The memory caused me to consider how I might use the program in my English classes at Lighthouse Christian School. So, that week I had each of my classes in grades 4, 5, and 6 watch the half-hour version, followed by a bit of class discussion regarding the cleverly presented symbolism in the story.
If one watches carefully, the scene where Linus recites Luke chapter 2 about the birth of baby Jesus, he drops his ever-present blanket to the floor. Credit to Charles Schultz for this wonderful moment, where we see through symbolism that Jesus provides our security, much better than a blanket, or other adult-like alternatives!
In addition to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ Dee and I were greatly blessed to see the annual Christmas concert presented by Christian classical pianist and producer, Tommee Profitt. The event was held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and was sold-out, with a crowd of 18,500 people from all fifty states and fifteen foreign countries. Great artists performed with outstanding instrumentation and beautiful vocals. A highlight was a wonderful performance of ‘The Little Drummer Boy.’
We also watched a live concert at our church, that included our worship team vocalists and the group, Stikyard (spelled correctly), composed of too many drummers to count and the most unique and incredible sets of drums we have ever seen, or heard. Their presentation of ‘The Little Drummer Boy,’ while different than the Tommee Profitt concert rendition, stirred a bit of creativity in my own mind.
The following day, I wrote a short story about the legend of the little drummer boy and later in the week, I shared a first-draft manuscript with my students as a Christmas gift. It has also been forwarded to the publisher I work with, and I hope to have the story revised, illustrated, and in final printed form by next fall.
Meanwhile, the inspiration and celebration continue each day, and we hope that you have an enjoyable and blessed Christmas. In addition, may the New Year be filled with much hope, optimism and great blessing. Remember that the baby born in Bethlehem grew up, lived a perfect life with ministry and healing to others, gave His life on a cross, and was resurrected on the third day, according to the Scriptures. His name is Jesus and He is the Savior!
Now that is truly inspirational…
© Jeffery J. Michaels / Plain English Publications
(Quotations allowed with attribution to this blog)