Christmas Unwrapped Event - Raleigh, N.C

Wednesday evening preceding Christmas, the night I call Christmas Eve Eve, was the date set by the Crossroads Fellowship Church of Raleigh, North Carolina for their "Christmas Unwrapped" spectacular Christmas event. Christmas Unwrapped is an annual event with a bit of Christmas for every one. The three hour extravaganza at the spacious church building, once a Black and Decker warehouse and distribution center structure, was everything to be expected and it was open to the entire Raleigh community.

There was the Frosty-To-Life program every thirty minutes, a live Nativity scene relating the story of the first Christmas from the prophesies of the Old Testament right up to and after the birth of Jesus Christ. Music was everywhere and could be heard in many forms - from cool authentic style Jazz to traditional, beautiful and treasured Christmas Hymns and Carols.

The crowd was enormous and it took quite some time to get into the "Millbrook Cafe" area, the site of the Live Nativity scene commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. On entry into the darkened room, one could see the stellar rendition of the Bethlehem Star, the miracle which marked the advent of Christ. From the star hung white sheers cascading down to the floor forming a tee-pee around a lady (Angel) while she strummed the heavenly sounds of Christian and Christmas tunes from her quasi magical harp.

From the Star area were footsteps to the nativity - symbolizing the footsteps of the wise men in search of the newborn Savior. The entire scene was magnificent and moving.

As I tried to edge closer to the scene and absorb the divine message that I knew was radiating from it, I became slightly agitated with the slow moving crowd.

Eventually I was in position to clearly see and enjoy the beauty before me. As I gazed at the scene, it hit me like a jolt. I suddenly became aware that the main reason for the Christmas Unwrapped event was for believers and unbelievers. I also became acutely aware that the people beside me might not be believers and that I had no right being agitated with the crowd. It occurred to me that they were probably seeing a scene completely different than the same scene I was looking at.

What the non-believer was seeing were wonderful and beautiful scenes set to terrific lighting and music - a real neat and cool scene that was very memorable. What I was seeing was the birth scene of "The Redeemer of mankind -- The Savior. Enjoying the Nativity in the way that only a Christian can.

This moment led me into a little silent prayer, " My Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my impatience with the crowd. Thank you for sending them here this night and I pray that all the work and dedication of the participants will inspire many to open their hearts and allow Christ to enter. I pray that they will soon see your world and universe through the eyes of a Christian. Amen.

So be it. I hope many felt the presence of God during this Christmas season.