Once again, the Holy Communion sanctuary was overrun with sheep, goats, a cow, a donkey, and even a llama . . . plus a host of brightly-garbed children of all ages . . . . and a raft of superb musicians, including Holy Communion’s senior choir . . . . but I think it’s safe to say that the undeniable star of Holy Communion’s 2009 Christmas program was a precious little baby boy who spoke not a word and sang not a note – but who nevertheless won the hearts of every person in that packed sanctuary.
His name is Kyler Godson, and his mother Andrea is the Youth Minister at Holy Communion- which also happens to be the church in which she grew up. In fact, back in her high school days Andrea played Mary in our program. But this year she went one better by lending us her beautiful baby boy to be Baby Jesus – and he was as adorable (and quiet) as could be. . . seemingly oblivious to all of the commotion around him, including the llama that was towering over Mary and Joseph and the fairly stubborn donkey that was standing just a couple of feet away. Kyler slept through it all, as precious as could be- and even as we found our gaze drawn to his newborn loveliness, it was also a way for all of us to be reminded that what all of this was about was not the costumes or lovely voices or meticulous coordination of all the commotion . . . but it was about the birth of a baby in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. And as much as I admire what Kate Potter Barrow has accomplished in putting all of this together and weaving my songs together so beautifully, what is most praiseworthy in my mind is how Christ-centered this spectacular program is. So how great it was to have our attention draw so irresistibly to the baby in the midst of it all.