By JUDY KILGORE
Precious Gems

Well, it's almost here. Another Christmas is upon us. I confess I am not ready. Having just gotten out of the hospital (again!) and suffering driving restrictions, I have just not been able to do any shopping at all. There is no Christmas tree in my living room and the usual decorations are still in their boxes in the “computer room/dog room/junk room.” (Doesn't everybody have one of those?) So, I will just have to “bah humbug!” another one and say, “well...maybe next year.”

But maybe this will force me to look at Christmas as it should be. I will definitely attend Christmas Eve services, In fact, I'm even going to attempt to play the organ again (the first time I've played since the hospital incident) and my radio will be tuned to WPCH for two days for their annual 36-hour Christmas music marathon. It will force me to think and reflect without the frills and frantic panic that usually accompanies Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dr. David Chancey of McDonough Road Baptist Church once again came through for me with a delightful story about a church that takes care of the Christmas rush in a somewhat unorthodox way. Dr. Chancey writes...

“I've heard of being caught up in the Christmas rush, but did you hear about the church in Little Rock that is offering the `drive through' nativity scene? Last week the church closed its parking lot to set up the drive-through for those who want to experience the `true meaning of Christmas,' but were too busy to leave their cars. The church expected about 10,000 people to take the 15-minute drive. Since the church started the tradition five years ago, the five-day exhibit has grown to 140 costumed characters and a stable-full of animals, from donkeys to hens.

“Personally, I would never want a quick, instant Christmas. Christmas comes and goes fast enough as it is. I want my Christmas slow and deliberate. I want to savor every moment. I want to sing every carol, I want to read every card. I want to hear every CD. I love the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Christmas. Like Mary, I want to ponder the meaning of the Christmas event. I want, even in the rush, to attempt to focus on Jesus.

Christmas is a special time to draw nearer to God. This year's countdown to Christmas day can be an occasion of recommitting your life to Christ. Jane Krutz, a member of the Little Rock church's board of directors, shared about one man who drove through the scene three years ago who had not been in church in years. He was so touched that he had a sort of `spiritual re-awakening' and the next year portrayed one of the shepherds, she said.

Even in the haste of last minute shopping and finishing touches, I pray that you experience a fresh touch from God and have the richest Christmas celebration ever. May God bless you as you celebrate Christmas.”

Amen, Dr. Chancey. Merry Christmas, everybody!

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