On the Road to Bethlehem

RTB.jpgAre you interested in travelling the Road to Bethlehem next week?

We’ve been to visit the Road to Bethlehem production each December for several years but this year will be different. Our daughter Emily, son James and I will be taking part as members of the acting cast.

The Road to Bethlehem is a remarkable portrayal of the Christmas story in the form of a free, interactive, dramatised experience featuring dozens of actors and singers.

The idea is that you’re taken back in time to witness the events of the first Christmas as they unfold, providing a unique entertainment experience that the whole family enjoys.

Instead of sitting down and watching a show, you walk from scene to scene as you travel to your destination, the stable. Live animals, great humour and some wonderful angelic choirs add to the experience.

Before and after you’ve trod the Road to Bethlehem you can spend time in a market area.

Road to Bethlehem is hosted each year by the Livingston SDA Community Church in Canning Vale. It runs for three nights each year. It’s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the 14th, 15th and 16th of December. It starts at 7 o’clock each night and there’s free parking across the road at Livingston Marketplace Shopping Centre.



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Some better news for Christmas

You’d better watch out … there’s some better news at Christmas.

This is John Piper from Desiring God. I often enjoy listening to his weekly messages via podcast.

He asks if you try to connect with God the Santa Claus way or the Jesus way.

The Santa way says,

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why,
Santa Claus is coming to town.

The Jesus way says,

“I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15).
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

Found via Brian Eberly.



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Christmas Morning 2008

christmas_baubles.jpg(Yes, this post is almost word for word for the post I wrote last Christmas but the details remain pretty much the same.)

I’m always amazed that so many people think that I shouldn’t have to work Christmas Day.

Each year when I tell people that I’ll be at work on Christmas morning they seem to think it’s rather sad but of course you can’t just switch off a radio station so that everyone can have the day off.

I’ve got to admit that I don’t really mind working on Christmas morning. It does take me away from my family for a few hours on this very special day but it’s not too bad.

No matter what day the 25th of December falls each year, all the regular weekday announcers at 98.5 Sonshine FM make their way to the studios to spread some Christmas cheer.

One of the things I enjoy about working on Christmas Day is that I get to enjoy one of my favourite activities even before the work day starts. I cycle to work each Christmas morning and enjoy the quiet roads and the smiles and waves from those who are out and about. This year, thanks to our recent studio relocation, I got to ride even further. A good 20 km bike ride is a great way to get ready for the rest of Christmas Day.

Since arriving I’ve been sitting at the broadcast desk with Christmas music playing and I’ve been talking about Christmas stuff all morning. Each year for Christmas Day we play Christmas music for the entire 24 hours. In fact, we started playing only Christmas music at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon and we’ll keep it going until midnight tonight.

I’ve already had a couple of listeners phone to wish me, my family and the rest of the team here a very happy Christmas. I’m sure there’ll be more calls before the morning’s over.

I’ll still have plenty of time to spend with family but it’s wonderful to be able to join the celebrations of thousands of other families on such a special day.



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A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve 2008 is almost over here in Perth but I know it’s only just beginning in other places around the world.

I also know that many regular readers won’t be reading blogs tomorrow so I’ll get in early and take the opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy day as you celebrate Christmas wherever you are in the world. Many will be experiencing a white Christmas while here in Perth, Western Australia, we have a mild summer day forecast. Much better than the scorcher we had last year.

Remember to pace yourself throughout the day so that you don’t regret it all on Boxing Day and don’t forget to take time out to reflect on what Christmas is truly all about.

Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men. – Luke 2:14

I’ll probably still write a post or two while I work on Christmas Day. I’ll be doing my normal morning radio programme from 9:00 a.m. to midday on 98.5 Sonshine FM so I should get a chance to send a few words into cyberspace.



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Finding the magic of Christmas

nativity.jpgRemember staying awake half the night on Christmas Eve with that feeling of excitement turning your tummy inside out? You just knew that tomorrow was going to be the most exciting day of the year.

Remember that feeling, even if it were just for one day a year, that everything was right with the world?

You thought that Christmas would be like that every year, but something’s changed. The magic’s gone. Some people say that it’s just a day for the kids but you and I know that’s not true. There was something amazing about those early years celebrating Christmas and the good news is that you can experience that again.

If you’re wondering where that special Christmas feeling that you remember from years ago has gone, take time out this Christmas to put something special back into Christmas.

Take time to reconnect with the simple joys of Christmas. Decide now to really engage with those you love. Choose to see the wonder of the day. Choose to be in awe. Look at the magic in the face of a child at this time of year. Choose to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas without the commercial hype.

Why not read the true story of Christmas as found in the Bible. Take time to refocus on relationships and the simple joys of being with those you love without feeling the pressure of having to give more than you can afford.

We can choose to restore the wonder and the magic. We simply need to slow down long enough and to notice the many blessings that we’ve started taking for granted.

I hope that you rediscover the magic of Christmas this year.

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

Luke 2:8-20



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