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January 8, 2016

Acting Out

On the second Sunday of Christmas, the entourage of wise men were onewindow closer to the crèche at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Their journey started a couple of weeks earlier, on the window sill at the back of the sanctuary.

Magi move from the back to the front of the church as they search for Christ

Each Sunday, forward leading, still proceeding, they made it to the next window. On January 6, they would reach their final destination, worshipping the Baby Jesus in the manger.

This tradition started decades ago at St. Alban’s, yet it never loses its power. The wise men are on the move, seeking a

newborn King. Silently, they invite anyone who notices them to join their caravan. When I see them, I realize that the celebration on Christmas Day is a high point, but the search for more light continues. I am drawn in to participate in the wonder that God was made man for all people, even for me. I search for greater understanding and closer relationship with the Perfect Light.

Saint Francis realized the power of bringing Scripture to life through the simple re-enactment of the Nativity with live people and animals on a dark night on an Italian hillside. In most churches today, children with all their innocence, joy and faith act out the Christmas story for their congregations. These treasured pageants always prompt comments such as, “THAT is what Christmas is all about!”

Our wonderful liturgical year brings many opportunities for similar visual displays or enactments that can drive home a message. The Stations of the Cross and Easter Sunrise services are examples.

Does your congregation employ simple yet profound activities that help shed new light and deeper understanding of God’s Word at different times of the year? Please share them in a comment to this article so we all can benefit from your creativity.

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