The Backdrop of Christmas
24 November, 2010 -
Over the Global Leadership Summit season I have been working alongside producers at each site to ensure that we created the right environment to enhance the learning of our delegates. We spent time planning the lighting, checking the sound levels and creating the atmosphere. We worked toward setting the scene by having a “distraction free” stage area. This may sound very simple and straight forward, and it is, however you would be surprised at the things we notice when we take a look with fresh eyes. When you are seeing your speaking platform area week-by-week everything becomes ‘normal’ and blends into the background. Books stacked in the corner, marks on the back wall, paint coming off, microphone cords swirling around on the floor. We spend time practising what will happen, but often overlook the background. It’s not until we stop and notice these things will we do anything about it.
The scene of Christmas is well known to us, Jesus in the manger, but what about the background? In our stores we see Christmas decorations and music providing a background of expectation and the very commercial side of the celebration. We hear phrases like “the silly season” being used as the pace of life increases. We buy gifts we would rather not, make visits that will keep people happy, attend church and community “break-ups” because it is expected. Then wake up on Christmas morning and sing, “Silent night, Holy night...Jesus Christ is here!”
Rather than providing a distraction free environment, we have so much happening in the background that our attention is diverted from the main event. Around Jesus we have nurturing parents, ready to attend to his needs. Probably the same feeling as other new parents, totally amazed that they would be trusted with such a precious gift. The animals were at rest, that won’t happen if the atmosphere was not peaceful. We see Shepherds who come to adore Jesus, Wise men who bring their gifts, and angels who sing praises to God. The star shining above for direction, and stillness in the air that intensified the atmosphere.
What Christmas experience are we giving out congregations, staff, teams and own families? What are we putting in their Christmas background? Is it distraction free? Can they see Jesus in foreground? Do we have the elements of nurturing, adorations, giving, praising and singing that were represented that very first Christmas?
Yes, we do live in a different world these days. It takes intentional focus for us to identify and adjust our environment so that the real message of Christmas is communicated.
We must take a fresh look at the choices we make and attitudes we bring that provide the backdrop for this most significant celebration the world has known.
Silent Night!
Holy Night!
All is calm, all is “right!”
Have a blessed, distraction free Christmas and may God’s favour be upon you as you serve him in 2011.
“The Lord bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may He lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” - Numbers 6:22-27
Sharon, Margaret, Tom and Renske
Willow Creek Team 2010