As we wrapped up our annual Christmas musical Sunday evening, I was able to reflect on the weeks leading up to that special day.

I sat in awe at how much time, energy, and effort was poured in by our children, volunteers, church members, and parents. It truly takes “a village” with all hands on deck, serving as one body, to make special events like these happen... and I am so grateful for my village at Westminster. It was inspiring to see our children show up each week to sing the same songs over and over, all while arriving with bright eyes and eager hearts to do it all again the following week. Finally, when Sunday arrived... the excitement of all the waiting, preparing, and anticipating was beaming from each of their faces. They couldn’t wait to put on their costumes and play their roles, or sing and ring their hand bells the loudest they possibly could. The Christmas musical was such a sweet and treasured time as we watched each of them lift their voices in song to Jesus. We celebrated him big with all the joy, laughter, and love that Christmas brings.

It made me ask myself the question, why do we (I), not anticipate and celebrate the upcoming arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ everyday? Why am I not beaming and in awe of what he has done and is doing in my life? Why do I not prepare my heart in his Word daily to withstand the schemes of the devil? Why am I a shinning beacon for his kingdom during certain times of the year, while others I walk through the everyday mundane, almost veiled to his constant mercies and abundant grace? Then I’m reminded, just as I helped prepare all those little children for the musical, he is still equipping me. I’m still his child in training, learning and preparing my heart and mind for his arrival. You're not perfect, and you won’t ever be perfect. You won’t have it all together, you’ll miss big things, yet you will also see the little things that sometimes impact the kingdom more than we will ever know. That’s the beauty of this Christian journey - it is that it’s never finished. We are constantly being stripped of our selfish desires and wants, to in turn be more like Jesus. My prayer for each of you as brothers and sisters in Christ, is to see Christmas through the eyes of those little ones. To illuminate with such joy the coming of the greatest gift ever given... Jesus. He truly is why we celebrate, why we have unspeakable joy, why we are covered in his righteousness, and why we are loved far greater than we could ever imagine. Don’t miss the heart of Christmas this year. See it, feel it, embrace it, and rejoice in it.

Merry Christmas! 

For His Glory, 
Meredith Buford