By Jon Roberts– Littleton, Colorado … On a cold Sabbath morning with snow in the air, the Littleton Church gathered safely together to welcome Christmas by sharing their gifts of talents.
Chris Morris, associate pastor of youth and worship, worked tirelessly preparing a special program, accurately titled Littleton Family Christmas that all could enjoy.
“Christmas is more than giving and receiving gifts from one another. It’s about truly receiving Jesus as our gift, and then bringing Him our gifts and talents. That’s what was on display at Littleton Sabbath, and it was inspiring,” Morris said.
One by one, they came to the front, some with violins and trumpets; others serenading the congregation with their voices. The action stopped for a moment as the congregation rejoiced in a special Christmas-season baptism as Heaven joined the crowd in celebration.
Morris told the story of “The Gift of the Magi” in three short parts to remind all of the meaning of the season.
Those who gathered enjoyed the many aspects of the program.
“We enjoyed hearing the variety of Christmas music and messages from people we don’t often see up front,” Daniel Warner, church member said.
Candy canes were available for everyone and the reason behind the candy canes was made clear by Alise Weber, pastor of children and families, during the children’s story.
“Every parent wants their children to focus on the true reason why we celebrate Christmas. The birth of Christ! Sharing the story of the candy maker, who made candy canes to point children towards remembering Christ first, reinforces that,” Weber said. “The white shows the sinless nature of Christ, the peppermint symbolizes the spices the wisemen brought, the shape of the candy cane emphasizes that Jesus is our good shepherd, and the red shows the blood he spilled for us all.”
The morning was full of moments to recall during the year ahead, but no one will forget that a 10-month-old named Sully won the hearts of all with a presentation of the Little Drummer Boy.
The crowd left not only with their hearts filled with joy and celebration but with a special invitation to return next week for “O Little Town of Littleton,” also known as the Bethlehem Experience, a 30-minute outside celebration filled with laughter, gifts, animals, and a glimpse into a 2024-year-old cave that seems to hold some importance.
–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos by Alise Weber
