I'm the enrichment counselor, which means along with the enrichment leader, the two of us are in charge of the evening. I think one thing that I am learning in this calling is the need and ability to delegate to others. I feel like I'm slowly learning little by little as I've now gotten through two enrichment meetings. I still ultimately have that anxiety the day of where I can't settle down and enjoy the activity as much, because I'm looking around and trying to make sure everything is going smoothly, but I think I did better at working with the others and we all did different parts of the night so none of us were overwhelmed.
Thursday night was no exception and I realized at the end of the night that I had only had half a small plate of appetizers, and a cup of punch. I didn't get any of the salads, or the desserts because I wasn't able to sit and enjoy the time. I was watching the clock too much for when we needed to start the program, and making sure everyone in the program knew what order we were doing it in, and when we were starting etc.
The program went well (I thought). We basically took the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2, and put three songs in between parts of the scriptural account. Here it is:
Tonight we invite you to travel back in time, to when our Savior was born. The scriptures chronicle the story of his birth well, but there are those who were there, whose stories were not recorded in the scriptures. Imagine with us what it might have been like if you were there.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all athe world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
"Where you there on that Christmas Night" (we did a duet version- the link is to a SATB version)
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
"Away in a Manger" (it was a solo and was beautiful. I don't know who wrote the arrangement, but it's one I hadn't heard before and I loved it!)
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
"I was not his Father, He was mine" (this goes to the album, you can listen to a clip of the song- just find the song title and listen to it)
This song is not a familiar one to a lot of people, but I love it. I asked an older brother in our ward to perform it and he did great. He was a little worried, because he doesn't feel like he has a great professional quality voice, but that's not what I wanted- This is a ballad and I wanted it performed in more of a storytelling voice. He did a great job!
He was working late one evening with the wood he knew so well,It was a great night. It took lots of planning and work, but I loved how it turned out. Everyone did so much to make it a wonderful evening and I'm so grateful for all the help everyone gave.
when she thought she recognized him, though at first she couldn't tell.
As she humbly begged his pardon_ a strange sadness swelled in side
when she asked, "Aren't you the father of the man they crucified?"
Then the carpenter repeated what he'd said so many times.
He said "I was not his father, He was mine."
Then he humbly went on working with his worn and calloused hands.
Though she did not ask more question, he knew she did not understand.
So he asked if she would help him. He saw her answer in a glance.
And she did the chores he asked her, and she was grateful for the chance.
Then they talked for hours of Jesus and how he knew he was divine.
He said "I was not his father, He was mine.
How could one so foolish and so flawed ever hope to raise the Son of God?"
Then he spoke of the misgivings he had had a thousand times,
and how Jesus found the tender moments to let him know he'd done just fine.
Then the carpenter recited the greatest truths he'd ever learned
and testified they came from Jesus, and then her heart within her burned.
Then they embraced as she departed. Joseph told her one more time,
"Tell them I was not his father, tell them he was mine.
No, I was not his father, he was mine."
We wanted to make sure we did this at the begining of the month so we could kind of "set the spirit" for ourselves for the rest of the month. Now we can focus on Christmas, both the spiritual and the fun sides to the season.
My family was ready to put the tree up last saturday, but I made them wait so I could take the tree up to the church for the enrichment meeting, so yesterday we finally got our tree up and decorated. I'll take pictures and put them on the family blog soon. :)
1 comment:
Oh that sounds like a wonderful program and night in general. I'm sorry you didn't get any of the dessert though.
I was not His Father (He was mine)is a favorite of mine as well.
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