Earlier this week we had our Little Lambs Christmas program. It’s when kids from our preschool come into the worship center, get up on stage and sing Christmas songs. There are hand motions, singing that is off key, some tears (from both parents and kids) and a lot of smiles. It’s a beautiful, semi-controlled chaotic celebration.
There’s so much to love about the Christmas program. One of my favorite moments each year is when the kids step onto the stage. The bright lights make it hard for them to see the crowd, but the moment they spot their parents or grandparents, their faces light up like it’s Christmas morning. There's excited waving and often screams of joy. Most of the parents are just as excited as the kids.
Now, it’s important to know that almost all of the kids were dropped off by those same adults not even 2 hours before the program. But that doesn’t matter. The kids are elated that their adults showed up for them. It’s a beautiful example of the power of just showing up.
Have you ever had the experience of someone showing up for you when you didn’t expect it? Maybe it was during a difficult season and they showed up to listen and support you. Maybe it was a friend you hadn’t seen in a long time and they surprised you and showed up for your birthday. When someone shows up for you it’s a great reminder that you are valued. Showing up matters.
This Christmas Eve, we have the opportunity to show up for so many people in our community. Last year over 1,600 people attended our Christmas Eve worship services. That’s 1,600 people we get the chance to show up for. People who may not expect it but we can surprise them by showing up with irresistible hospitality and a faith that is relevant.
A simple, yet powerful way you can show up this Christmas Eve is serving. By serving you will be helping us show up for those more than 1,600 people who will attend worship at Good Shepherd this year. There are all kinds of ways you can show up and serve. You can be a greeter, make coffee, help in the parking lot or the many other ways you can show up and help make Christmas Eve meaningful. Plus, no experience is necessary.
And who knows, you may be surprised by how meaningful showing up is. Because remember, there is power in simply showing up.
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