Small town Church and Christmas Program

We live in a small town. We all know how that can be with everyone knowing everyone's business and all. We also know how community minded a small town can be. That being said, my significant other's parents go to a small church.

Now, small churches are not necessarily a bad thing. You don't get "that look" from the others in the congregation when you put in a guest appearance or sit in someone's pew. Usually you are welcomed with open arms and that is the case at this church.

So, last Sunday was the annual Christmas program involving the kids. I have to say, this was the most unusual Christmas program I have ever attended. These fun filled programs are usually full of the anticipated and comical antics of nervous and excited young children. You know the ones... the crier, the one that sings louder than the others and off key, the one that fidgets, one that bugs the person next to him/her to the point that someone gets smacked, someone forgets their line and the one that throws up.

We had none of that this year... well, there was one that sang louder than anyone else, that would be our niece! No surprize there! Anyway, the kids all had to be there at 4pm for a 6pm program. I don't get that at all.

When the program started the kids came out and sang "Joy to the world" then retreated to the back, areas unknown! Then we had the usually congregational singing from the hymnal. Always interesting. There was an older man next to us who had a very deep voice and was actually quite pleasant to listen to. Then the choir sang, a choir that consisted of a whole 4 people! I told you it was a small church in a small town! Then we had several different folks sing solos, some could really sing and some, well..... you get the drift. The older gentleman next to us was the final soloist, he could really sing too! I wish he had done them all!

Finally, the kids came out and took their places on the stage. We all lit our candles that we had been holding all of this time. The youth minister took the podium and talked about Jesus and all, made a reference to the innocence of the children on the stage and the innocence of Jesus. Then the kids all went to sit with their families. WEIRD!

Not that I am complaining. I just don't understand why the kids all had to be at the church for 2 hours before the program to "practice" sitting on the stage in the dark and doing nothing. Then, the pastor did some preaching and we all went to the fellowship hall to have sandwiches, cookies and tea. Oh and they passed out candy bags with an apple, a orange and some UNWRAPPED candy. Ewwww!

But, whatever. I think it is just interesting is all. Small towns are strange sometimes. But they all come together in times of good and not so good. I would rather attend this small town, humble church than the theater stage production of some of the larger churches in our area.

These are just some of my observations and not meant to start a big debate or anything. So please don't start one.
Vickie