Yep, it was the Christmas play yesterday and this year Long Ridings’ theatrical production was ‘The Hoity Toity Angel!’ Having narrated for ‘The Grumpy Donkey’ - Sawyers’ play for our mums & tots - in the morning I was definitely in the mood. Noah had graduated from mouse (his role in last year’s “Hopeless Camel”) to carol singer and Esther was a donkey (suitably clothed in Noah’s jeans & jumper!).

As I watched and listened (my children were hidden from view by the ‘Jerusalem Crowd’ but I caught an occasional glimpse!) I sought out the take home message - was spiritual truth being communicated? An interesting thought to ponder perhaps, but I do think there was something to take away.

The angels sang about it being what’s inside that counts (true enough) and despite the trimmings, the Christmas story was told. A large number of schools in this country have abandoned the nativity - most kids probably think Mary and Joseph are X-factor candidates (!) - so an attempt to explain the ‘reason for the season’ is gladly received. It also gives those of us with a living faith opportunities to talk about it.

Last Monday night I was at a Christmas gathering where I had some of the best opportunities I’ve had this year to explain the gospel, and God gave me boldness and clarity; those present knew I was a card-carrying evangelical who actually cared about their eternal destiny, and I didn’t pull any punches - Jesus came to earth for a reason.

Let’s not waste opportunites to witness this year. Jesus is the light of the world and he needs us to testify to that.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12