It’s always exciting when you’re on the brink of something you’ve been working towards. Last night was our first performance of Cornerstone’s Christmas Production – Esmerelda.

I can’t believe all the hard work everyone has put into this production. Around 100 people have given their time and talents to make this the best production they can, and it is so evident in the quality of the performances, effects, props, make-up, costumes . . . the list could go on. I am grateful for every single person involved.

Through this production God has shown me two beautiful aspects of His plan – the unity of the Body of Christ, and the freedom we have when we find our identity solely in God. The first may be obvious, there’s a ton of people using their unique gifts in a way that creates a marvelous mosaic. It wouldn’t be the same if any one person were removed. It is wholly how God intended it, and it’s perfect.

The second thought may not be so evident. I have discovered something over the course of being married to my beautiful Katie; I am far less self-conscious. Partly it’s the security of having that person you’ll be with the rest of your life, partly (I hope) it’s maturity. But regardless, it’s incredibly liberating – especially if you’ve been chained down by self-loathing and self-consciousness most of your life.

The thing is, I’ve seen the pay-off of that reality in this production. If we really believe that the only opinion that matters is God’s, we no longer have to fear the criticisms and critiques of mankind. We are free the perform how God created us to perform. I don’t have to worry about looking like an idiot (though I’m sure I do), because I am now free to enjoy a gift God has given me with no hindrance. And even better, it becomes worshipful.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Thanks to everyone for giving so much for making Esmerelda happen! It is a beautiful story and a beautiful image of the people of God working toward His purpose. I pray everyone is blessed abundantly through the message and the hard work of everyone involved.

Well, the first Christmas production performance is 0 days and counting! It has been such a FUN time. Probably because Chris and I have every single scene together…every single line is just back and forth banter!

This has nothing to do with anything, but yay about Christmas questions!!!!

Wrapping Paper or gift bags? Brown paper packages tied up with string…

Real or Fake tree? Real! The minute you walk in to our home, you can smell Christmastime!!

When do you put up the tree? While everyone else is waiting in line at Walmart…Black Friday!!

When do you take the tree down? When the needles get really sharp…so if I keep it watered, then…NEVER!!!

Do you like eggnog? Yes. In a thimble.

Favorite gift received as a child? Glow worm. Scooter. Ruby Red Slippers.

Hardest person to buy for? Beans maybe. But only because I can’t afford table saws.

Easiest person to buy for? Eema and Christopher probably.

Do you have a nativity scene? No…not at the Saldanha’s. Not yet. But growing up, we had a great one. And we used to hang Joseph on the nail for the angel by the crook of his staff. And Jesus was attached to his manger, so that used to sit up on the roof of the stable.  Oh, and there was a giant white angel by the name of Maranatha that used to visit them. We probably shouldn’t have played with it like we did.

Mail or email Christmas cards? Eep. Neither.

Worst Christmas gift ever received? What? There is NO such thing as a bad Christmas gift!!

Favorite Christmas movie? Randy & Ralphie!! “Deck the hahs with bows of horry! Fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra!!” A Christmas Story!

When do you start shopping for Christmas? When the Christmas production is over…and while I’m at work in November.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift? Not yet, but we may take gifts off of our wedding re-gift shelf that Eems created for me!

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ice box cookies! Made with love by Beanie!

Lights on the tree?  WHITE ones! So when  you squint at the them without your glasses on in the dark, it looks like the tree is on fire!

Favorite Christmas song? Oh come, Oh Come Emmanuel & O Holy Night

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home…definitely

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dumb.

Angel on the tree top or star? Star! An antique-y looking bronze one!!! Just like Mom’s!

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning! I’m setting my alarm for 5:00 a.m.!

Most annoying thing about this time of year? people getting offended by “Merry Christmas”. Oh sorry, HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone. Whatever. Barf.

Favorite ornament theme or color? I think the little felt ones made by Great-Grandma Carlston.

Favorite for Christmas dinner? It would have to be the sloppy joes at Grandma Barb’s. In Perry. I’m 7. Playing Huffnagels & Schmidts with the cousins.

What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmmm…girlie stuff?

That’s right, it’s officially the Christmas season! First thing Friday morning we turned on the Sufjan Stevens Christmas boxset, wore our pajamas most of the day, watched tv and ate junk. The tree is up. The wreath is mounted. The stockings are hung. It’s officially Christmas.

But was I love most is that Thanksgiving kicks off what should really be our mentality all season: thanksgiving. Sure, the day of Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and native Americans and deer meat and all that good stuff, but it was also a day to thank God for His bountiful harvest. But now we have something else to look forward to,

Yesterday kicked off Advent, a time that seems to be forgotten on most modern churches. Advent means “coming” and is a season of anticipation, both to celebrate the Messiah who has come (a.k.a. Jesus) and the Messiah who is to come (a.k.a. Jesus). And what better way to kick it off than Thanksgiving!

This morning, Katie and I read in our prayer guide about giving thanks to God for all He is, even the stuff that we don’t see or doesn’t necessarily apply to us at this moment. Stop thank God with a self-centeredness and thank God for everything. I think it only appropriate as we anticipate His coming.

A few things to check out this wonderful season of celebrating Emmanuel:

www.adventconspiracy.org

www.rethinkingchristmas.com

www.gfa.org/gift