CHRISTMAS!

Christmas is a special time of the year, and we especially love to celebrate it at Lower Brule. Last year was fun, and this year was even more so for us. We were just beginning last year, and we only had a few children. We have experienced some growth; so there were several more children who took part in the program this year. We plan a three-day mini-VBS for the kids prior to the Christmas Program, and we tell them a portion of the Christmas story each night, let them make crafts to hang up at home, and give them treats and prizes. We also teach them the songs and Bible verses that they will need to know for the Christmas Program. This was our method of operating this year, also. The kids were excited to see Esther again, and she planned the theme, "The Light of Christmas." They learned three verses from the Bible about Jesus being the Light, and some of the familiar Christmas carols that refer to the Light. We pulled out the trusty costumes and fixed the children up to look like Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, sheep, a donkey, and a cow. The night of the program, they did very well in saying their Bible verses and singing. They were excited to be costumed up, and they cooperated. At the end of the program, the angels lined up in front of the altar and held lighted candles while we extinguished the lights and Esther played "O, Holy Night" on the violin. They are such special children, and they are happy with so little. Some of them came back for Sunday School today, and we quizzed them on their memory of the Bible verses, the songs, and the lessons learned during the sessions. They have it all down pat. We feel like there has been some work accomplished. I am so sorry that I do not have any pictures of the program, but my camera has decided to die, and I can sometimes get a picture from my phone. Unfortunately, I was busy on the night of the program and didn't get a picture, though I can assure you that it was a beautiful sight with the innocent and sweet-looking angels sparkling in the candlelight, the demure little sheep standing quietly nearby, and the Mary and Joseph looking so protective of the little doll that they were guarding. I wish you could have been there. Some of the people brought treats and gifts to give to the children at the program, and the Pilgrim Holiness Church at Marion, MI sent an offering to buy treats for the children. My 'crafty' sister also sewed and appliqued cloth treat bags with handles for the kids who took part. They were so cute and fun to give out. I contacted a student from last semester and found that she had been looking for me right after we left the church Sunday night to tell me of a tragic death in her family. Esther and I took the time to stop at the wake after one of the children's services on Tuesday, and we were glad that we stopped, as it was the right timing. We see the hand of God in the work there, and we are honored to be a part of His Plan. We have found that we can rest in God's will as He plans our paths for us. All that is required is that we keep step with Him.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule. May God especially bless you this Holiday Season!