e had been anticipating the Christmas Program at Hillside for many weeks. We knew that it had a western theme and would tell the story of Jesus' birth. We had seen and heard the evidence of children learning songs and lines. There was obviously a lot going on. What we didn't know was how excellent the presentation would be and how well each child would present his or her part. The use of stick horses and multimedia video images in the same program shows how God can be praised in a multitude of diverse ways. Since God owns everything, it's only natural that we use everything for His glory and we are privileged to do it. God certainly blessed the effort exerted by sending the largest crowd we've ever had for a Sunday evening service. We praise Him for all the relatives and friends who came out to witness another great retelling of the timeless story. God's will to redeem mankind through His Son is always fresh and inviting. Our thanks goes to Barry and Shari Miller and all their helpers for the hours they spent with our children to make such a marvelous and uplifting presentation possible. Praise the Lord!

Sunday morning we studied the beauty and power of God in the perfect birth of Jesus. God's glory is shown in this humble beginning and Jesus' submission to the Father in His life. The book of Revelation provides some amazing views of God's glory in heaven. Creation also shows how everything reflects the glory of God. God is the perfect glorious being and all He does shows it. This special time offers us one more look at God's true nature and how awesome He is. If Jesus had not come as an innocent infant, mankind would not have been able to approach Him. God limited His glory so that we could draw near to the Christ-child and learn of His love for us without quaking in constant fear. Our God knows us and understands that we cannot stand before His power without help. It is astounding to consider how He humbly presented Himself to us. He is to be eternally praised. He is God, we are not.

As you consider the season and all the special reminders we enjoy, remember to thank Him for the gentle way He invites us to see His boundless love for us. Before the world was made God had planned to redeem us through His Son, the babe in the manger in Bethlehem. Truly the glory of the Lord shines "round about us" as well.

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