Forward, March

On Christmas Eve our church hummed with children in red velvet (“Look! I’m dressed like Santa Claus!”) and clip-on ties. Weeks of preparation for the annual children’s Christmas pageant culminated in this one special night. While the grown-ups sat scanning their bulletins in the pews, the younger generation bounced about the fellowship hall, chattering and giggling and eyeing the bags of goodies that would be theirs after the service.

As the time neared for the pageant to begin, the children vibrated with excitement. Sparkle-eyed angels chased each other with high-pitched giggles while shepherds turned their staffs into light sabers. Mary wrestled her baby away from a rambunctious wise man. The adults stood in the middle of the chaos with slightly dazed expressions, straightening any halos within their reach.

Finally the moment came. The children were shushed. Our fearless leader, Mary Jo, rose to say a few words of encouragement to the eager eyes that were upon her. She steered Joseph to his seat, scooped a stuffed sheep off of the floor, and addressed her audience.

“Ok, you guys. This is your night. I want you to do your best, and have fun. If you get lost, look at me. I’ll get you back on track. If you get scared, look at me. I’ll remind you to smile. Ready? Let’s go. It’s going to be great.”

Mary and Joseph and all their caravan lined up – big kids first! – and headed out the door, eager smiles and bouncing footsteps revealing their anticipation of what was to come. They couldn’t wait to get there. It was going to be great.

Marching into a new year, dressed in our seasonal best and giddy with anticipation, we can’t help thinking, at least a little bit, of what might lie ahead. As we recite our lines and play our part, we’ll have to stand up straight and try not to squirm and try to remember where we are and what’s supposed to happen next. People will be watching us, and we don’t want to let them down. It’s a little scary, looking to the future and knowing you have to go there but not being sure that once you get there you’re going to be able to avoid messing up.

A new year; it sometimes fills my heart with trepidation. But I’m not walking into it alone.

I hear the voice of my Fearless Leader, speaking to me through His written Word, whispering in my heart:

I want you to do your best, and have fun. Even if you really try to do everything right, you’re going to mess up; I’m going to love you anyway.

If you get lost, look at Me. I’ll point to My Son on the cross, making you mine, and then you will know where you are.

If you get scared, look at Me. I’ll remind you that you are not alone, because I will never leave you or forsake you. And I will give you My joy to be your strength.

We stride ahead into 2013, shoulders straight, chin raised, our Leader’s voice ringing in our ears. The Good Shepherd walks beside us, His staff of righteousness raised to defend us from what wolves may come. The sound of angels’ music lingers in the air, reminding us to sing the praises of the One who gave His life for us. Wise men forge ahead, leading the way, leaving a trail for us to follow. Behind us Mary cradles the Baby in her arms, and we too can ponder in our heart the wonders of an infant Christ, God made man, journeying with us, behind us, beside us, before us, in and with and under and through the year ahead.

Let’s go. It’s going to be great.

First published in the Alpena News, January 12, 2013