Last night our lives changed.  We are no longer the same.

A co-worker of mine (Rosemarie) invited me and my daughter, Alaska Dawn, to attend a play at her church.  Her granddaughter was in the presentation.

I was hesitant.  Neither Alaska or I are "religious" people, yet Rosemarie seemed sincere, so we couldn't say no.  

She picked us up around six.  The play was scheduled at seven.  We got there about six thirty.  The parking lot was already full.

"Holy *BEEP!*" Alaska said, eyes bugging out like ping pong balls, "This place is HUGE!!  I hope there's a place for us to park!"

We finally found a spot and we went into the church.  The people seemed friendly enough, greeting us with warm smiles and hugs.  I was afraid that they'd start to force Jesus on us, but they didn't, much to my relief.  

The church's lobby was decorated in Christmas finery: there were lights and greenery everywhere.  A massive Christmas tree stood in the corner, right near the main entrance.

You couldn't miss it.

We entered the sanctuary.  The stage was decorated as well.  There was another Christmas tree, garlanded with ornaments and lights.  

Promptly at seven, a rotund man walked onto the platform.  He introduced himself as the psator and welcomed us to his church.  He said to enjoy the play, which would be beginning shortly.

Right after that, the lights dimmed, and the play began. Seveal ladies pushing shopping carts zipped right in front of the stage.  Two of them collided right in front of us.  I thought Alaska was going to end up on my lap.  She screeched and jumped a mile.  Several people around us cracked up.

The play was about a toy store.  The owner of the store, Mr. Clynch, was a high-strung individual who was all business.  He was all about the money.  He wanted everything to go smoothly, but an ice storm started the downhill slide.  So did greedy shoppers and disobedient teens.

The shoppers were like sharks at a feeding frenzy.  Christmas music played in the background.  A church choir came out and stood on the sides of the stage.  Some were dressed up in western attire.  Some were dressed up in fifties style clothing (poodle skirts and saddle shoes).  One character was dressed up as Elvis!  And some were dressed up as vikings!  

They sang a hysterical rendition of "Jingle Bells".  I did not know "Jingle Bells" could be sung opera style!  We were practically rolling on the floor with laughter.

One of the employees was a kindhearted man with a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor.  He botched a sale, costing the store money.  Mr. Clynch was not happy and was ready to fire him at a moment's notice.  Then the power went out in the store (this was part of the play), causing panic and confusion.  The guests would have to stay, as would the employees.

Several other employees started complaining about Mr. Clynch's money-grubbing ways and started comparing him to the Grinch (Clynch.  Grinch.  Get it??).  There was a hilarious rendition of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch".  All of us were laughing, including the performers onstage.  You could hear them snickering.

The kindhearted man was sad, as he remembered Christmases from his past, where love and peace and the reason for the season were celebrated.  

A young woman in a wheelchair came out and sang "O, Holy Night".  She had a beautiful soprano voice that sent shivers down my spine.  When I looked over at Alaska, tears were running down her face.

The owner of the store realized that he had been celebrating all wrong: the trappings and greediness had taken precedence.  He changed his ways by accepting Christ into his heart.  Even though the store was going to be closing soon, he wasn't worried: he knew that God would take care of things and that everything would be alright.

That's what I wanted.

The pastor came back onto the stage and invited anyone who wanted their lives changed to come up to the altar for prayer.  Alaska and I did not hesitate.  We both wanted something different.  Up to now, something had been missing from our lives.

We bowed our heads and asked Jesus for forgiveness and asked Him into our hearts.  We felt the weight of the world lift off our shoulders.  Suddenly we felt at peace.  We knew that we could face life's challenges head-on.  We knew that we were no longer alone.

Alaska looked happier than I had seen her in a long time.  She had a huge smile on her face and was hugging everyone, giggling like a little schoolgirl.  Tears were still streaming down her face.  These were not tears of depression: these were tears of happiness and joy.

I know.  They were running down my face, too.

Thank God.  Yes.  Thank God for the birth of a Saviour!!  Merry Christmas, and may His love bring you the joy, happiness, and peace we feel.  God bless you!

I never thought I would ever say that!  LOL

~Martha.

~To be continued!~