I always enjoy watching our school ministry students share the Christmas Gospel during our special Advent family worship services. It is amazing how such a profound message of the Son of God becoming also true man, born of the Virgin, can be retold even by the very young who accept the truth without question. They share their lines and sing their songs with great enthusiasm. I will say, however, that there is always one thing that kind of disappoints me. It’s the lack of singing when the adults present are asked to join in singing.

This weekend the third candle of the Advent wreath will be lit along with the first two. On our wreath in the sanctuary, the ribbon below it is pink. Why the different color? The theme for the third week of Advent is: “Rejoice!”

For some young girls participating in Christmas pageants, portraying the Virgin Mary may be a dream role with all the attention on them. But for Mary who is told by an angel that she will go through a pregnancy that will come about in a truly unique fashion and that the Baby to whom she will give birth is the very Son of God… talk about pressure (not to mention all the attention she will get from those who want to know the “real story” behind her being with child).