by Eddie Pipkin
We’ve been sampling the wide range of local Christmas events that our metro area has to offer, from formal orchestral performances to school holiday concerts, and it’s been a blast so far. From fancy synchronized light presentations to neighborhood decorating contests, carefully curated Festivals of Trees to corner seasonal craft markets, there has been much to enjoy. I love it all. But I confess, as much as I do appreciate a high-tech, meticulously choreographed, professionally produced Christmas production, I’m a sucker for something that feels homemade, lovingly created by dedicated amateurs in the time-honored spirit of “let’s put on a show.” If it’s a little rag-tag and has a flaw or two, all the better: that feels to me like the Spirit of Christmas.
I certainly appreciate a well-produced and carefully assembled Christmas extravaganza, things that feel like (or often are) a professional-level production. These are great platforms to highlight the talents of your congregation and showcase the best of your efforts. However, these types of e