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Religion

An old story, a new perspective

Christmas is a time when churches seek to reach out. One Citrus Springs church has done so by telling the story of Jesus' birth in a new way.

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
Published December 24, 2005

CITRUS SPRINGS - As people seek to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in a meaningful way, many churches open their doors to welcome those who do not normally attend church services.

North Oak Baptist Church is one of many churches that presents a musical program each year in honor of the holiday.

"People come to this who might not come to church," said Stan Stewart, senior pastor at North Oak.

"It's the time to listen to Christmas music and all of the fanfare that goes along with what mankind has made of the birth of Christ. But then a lot of people come from other churches who just want to be blessed from various musicals that are put on in the area. Hopefully, they'll hear the message of the Gospel without feeling like they are being pounded from the pulpit."

Two nights last week, North Oak hosted Jesus Our Treasure, a musical drama centered on one of the shepherds who visited Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem. About 300 people attended.

"We like to do different kinds of programs, and this one is told from a different perspective," Stewart said.

"It's told from the shepherd's viewpoint to his granddaughter, relating the events of Christ's birth. It's a very simple presentation, but, boy, the message is piercing."

The message of Jesus Our Treasure began with the 40-voice choir, under the direction of Kathie Stewart, singing about the joy of the birth of Christ.

The drama, directed by Brenda Sheldon, begins in a shed with Miriam, played by Alexandria Blaha, looking at her grandfather's tools. She has a particular curiosity about his shepherd's staff, which she has been taught not to touch.

Jacob, played by Matt Widener, comes into the shed looking for Miriam and asks her whether she has touched the staff.

"No, sir. I'd never touch that!" Miriam says.

Jacob decides it's time to share with Miriam the story of how he went to visit the Christ child. It isn't the first time she has heard this story. But this time Jacob will share even more.

Interspersed throughout the dialogue, the choir tells the same story as Jacob using traditional songs like While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, What Child Is This? and Go Tell It On the Mountain. Original songs include Who Am I? and Jesus Our Treasure.

In the background of the stage is a scene reflecting the memories of Jacob showing Mary and Joseph, played by Tabetha Bryan and Mike Holst, watching over the holy babe. A light in the shape of a star is above them.

"What a wonder you are," sings Tiffany Stewart as Mary's voice.

"My Son, my Lord," sings Pete Morris as Joseph's voice.

Shepherds watching the scene are in awe; some shed tears.

"If only it could have stayed that way," Jacob tells Miriam. "It was so exciting that night! Everyone we told was amazed at what we were saying! Even the ones who were the most skeptical couldn't help but wonder, "What if it's true? What if this really is the Savior?' "

"But why didn't it stay that way?" Miriam asks.

Holding his staff, Jacob tells Miriam how, about two years after Christ's birth, Herod the Great, the king of the Jews, was jealous at the thought of another coming into the world who would be worshiped as king.

"I am the king," sings Bruce Sheldon as Herod, proclaiming his right to the throne.

Herod had learned of the "usurper" from wise men traveling from the East, following the star that appeared at the time of Christ's birth. They had inquired of Herod where the child was, so that they could go and worship him.

Jacob explains how Herod, in an effort to eliminate the threat of a new king, decreed that boys under the age of 2 were to be killed.

In a touching moment, Jacob for the first time shares with Miriam the fact that his own son had been one of the babies killed.

"My firstborn son, my little treasure," says Jacob, his voice breaking.

"I never knew," Miriam says.

Jacob explains to Miriam how it is important to be willing to give up everything to follow Jesus.

Soloists Luther Willis, Tim Daugherty and Morris sing, as the wise men present their gifts to the newborn king.

"The one who is so worthy is the one we long to know," the men sing.

"Jesus our treasure, he is priceless and pure, precious without measure, Jesus our treasure," the choir sings.

"We come to worship Jesus; gifts of praise are what we bring," the men continue.

"Yet the best we have to offer seems so small before this king. But we'll never cease to praise him with this life that he has changed. He is our precious treasure, and we live to bless his name."

Miriam is moved by Jacob's account. She admits that while she has known about Jesus all her life, she has never known him as "her treasure."

She sings, "Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt? Who am I that the bright and morning star would choose to light the way for my ever wand'ring heart? Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are. Who am I that the eyes that see my sin would look on me with love and watch me rise again?"

Miriam concludes her song by giving her heart to Jesus.

"You've told me who I am. I am yours."

Words lighted on the wall above the choir are bordered by a star and a cross and ask the audience the question: "Is Jesus Your Treasure?"

Words of songs are quoted from Jesus Our Treasure written by Mike Harland. Words from the drama were written by Lawrence Kimbrough. The musical drama is published by Genevox.

North Oak Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. There will be one service at 10 a.m. Christmas Day with Pastor Stan Stewart preaching on "Christmas Tree Christians."

"Sometimes even Christian folk have become more interested in what's built around the Christmas tree than what's built around Christ," Stewart said about his sermon. "We're going to look at the aspects of the tree and how we as Christians need to be grounded."

The church is at 9324 N Elkcam Blvd. in Citrus Springs. Call 746-1500.

Check the Religion Calendar for times of other churches' Christmas services.

[Last modified December 24, 2005, 01:09:13]