The Gospels tell us that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:15, Matthew 18:3)

Have you ever heard that old proverb that goes like this: Children should be seen and not heard? Well, we at St. Albans believe that children should be seen and heard. They should be heard and seen. We want to see and hear our children. Amen? We want to hear and see our children, and that’s what we are doing this morning. And, isn’t it wonderful that our children can come and share the traditions of the church, the mysteries of the virgin birth in meaningful words and a live performance.

In the pageant story, Jesus came into our world as a baby, and see how that picture changed the lives of people 2000 years ago and continues to change the world today. The pageant story still brings joy to the hearts of all god people. It still brings joy and purpose to our lives. We celebrate not only the pageant our children shared about Christmas, but we also celebrate the fact that Jesus though his life, both human and divine grows as a person, and moved into our neighborhood. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is with us today. Human, yet divine!

The coming of Jesus to live among us, changes our world. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus moved into our world, our neighborhood, our lives, into our families. The Lord Jesus Christ is here with us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost Jesus says, I will send you the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit will remind you and tell you of the things I have shown you and told you. And I will be with you always. This is also pointing to the pageant story, as the place where it starts, but it continues throughout our lives and into eternity.

The child that we come and serve as king and Lord, will become at Easter, the Resurrected King and Lord. And, this is just the beginning.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas, a Christmas filled with joy, hope, and purpose. Blessings to you and your families, and May the God of peace go with you.

Amen.