I love Christmas,  its such a wonderful, special

time. A highlight for me is always the Children's nativity play.

My earliest memories of a Nativity play was at the age of 5
when I was given the role of the innkeeper at Primary School. 

It wasn't a big part but nevertheless an important one. 

My instructions were simple,  I was to stand behind a
wooden screen with a door, Mary and Joseph would knock
on the door,  I would open it and when they  asked for a
place to stay,  I had to wave my arms in the air shouting 
"no room, no room."   Well,  I practised my line, day in
and day out,  trying to immerse myself in the part,
much to the distraction of my parents.  No room, no room,
no room, no room.

The great day came,   the young couple and the donkey
approached my door and knocked,  I opened the door and
they delivered their lines, do you have a room, and I froze,
I could remember my line, but it just  wouldn't come out,
I stood there in fear, I could see my mum in the audience
mouthing the words "no room no room"  but they just wouldn't
come out. ..   So I improvised,    All I could think  to say was
"Go away"  which I delivered at the top of my voice before slamming
the scenery door, which promptly fell off its hinges.   

Well the nativity play disintegrated.  The donkey was  hit by the door and promptly fell over.  The Angels went into hysterics.  Mrs Smith the pianist couldn't play the piano for laughing. One of the Shepherds burst into uncontrollable tears over the demise of the Donkey and the Star of Bethlehem disappeared backwards over a chair.   It was another 10 minutes before the play restarted.     Happy days indeed, from then on I became what is known in the trade as a scene shifter.

It is very easy, at this time of year to get so caught up in the festivities  and preparations for Christmas, that we miss what  the season is really all about. The holiday has been hijacked by commercialism and for many it is no more than a bean-feast of eating, drinking and self indulgence. Some in authority are even trying to take Christ out of Christmas by having Festive lights instead of Christmas lights and we must resist this nonsense.   

My appeal is that we make room for Jesus this  holiday time,  that we take time out from the Hustle and Bustle of the season to make room for the arrival of the King of Kings.

 Have a lovely Christmas and very Peaceful New Year.