The Big Little Church

I'm not much on reflecting simply for the sake of reflecting. It sort of comes on me when I least expect it. Walking past the bare Christmas Tree, driving past an old familiar sign, or sitting in church at a Christmas play.

The Texas Hill Country is full of beautiful sites. To me, the most beautiful thing about it is the people. They are, for the most part, so genuine. I think it comes from, and this is just my opinion based on nothing but my observations, the hard work required just to live here. Christmas Eve found me right in the middle of one of the most beautiful sites I have seen yet.

A small country church really. It seats maybe 150 folks, if you include the balcony and choir loft. Those seats are generally filled by faithful congregants whose average age is probably around 50. Hugs are always given in abundance. This Christmas Eve it was full of passionate friends, ready to see the Christmas story unfold before them.

They had built a small stage, incorporated a working curtain, rented a spot light, and had some of the best biblical costumes I've seen. It started with a real trumpeter playing a real trumpet announcing the upcoming birth of Christ. Nothing digital here. Right in the middle of the event down the center aisle and sitting on a wooden donkey that would have made any director proud, Joseph pulled a very pregnant Mary. Shepherds sat on a wooden stump in front of a working fire. Musicians sang, actors gave lines flawlessly, and the technical crew did not miss a cue.

25 minutes from start to finish. I laughed, and I cried. Most importantly, I felt that warm feeling that comes when the true reason for Christmas starts to live in my heart again. I'm not sure where it goes throughout the year. But this year, I am happy to mark the occasion at the big little church my family calls home.