Did you know that one of the very first children’s Christmas pageants took place in Italy in 1223? An innovative and audacious monk named Francis of Assisi even used live animals to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life. On Sunday, we won’t use live animals, but we will continue this centuries-long tradition by inviting children to help us celebrate the story of Jesus’ birth. And it is by far my favourite Sunday of the year!
I’ve noticed that, as adults, we often carry around the stresses and strains of day-to-day life like bags of sand tied around our waists. Responsibilities, challenges, and losses weigh us down, and they DO NOT lessen during the Christmas season either. Christmas lights, shopping, and baking can’t cover it up or make it disappear. So, what do we do? Well, we’re invited as the people of God to come together and worship. Is Pageant Sunday, a Sunday for the family of God to worship – you bet it is!
I grew up in church and have many memories of participating in and then watching with joy at the ways children can break through our hardened shells to remind us how to worship with our whole hearts.
In Psalm 8:1-2, we learn something extraordinary. Listen:
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
Older translations use the word “bulwark” (such a great word!) for stronghold. A bulwark is a defense. Our children, when they lead us in worship, will establish a defense against the evil and oppression that the world heaps on us! Their praises will silence Satan, who works very hard to discourage and defeat us. This is how God has designed it to be. So, the annual Christmas Pageant isn’t just about epic cuteness (and random chaos) – it’s spiritual warfare in the heavenlies!
Now, I know you’ll be looking for your special, amazing child among the group – but I invite you to choose now to let all of them lead you in worship!
I’m looking forward to worshipping with you all.
