Several
years ago, the inmates in a maximum security prison decided to act out the
Christmas story for the other prisoners. Because none of the props could be
brought in, all the costumes had to be made from what they could find inside
the prison.
A
mop was used for Mary’s hair. A ski mask with cotton balls glued on a sock was
used as sheep. A cardboard box became the manger. Everything was falling into
place, except for one problem. They needed a baby Jesus. They couldn’t use a
baby doll because nothing could be brought in. Someone suggested that Mary
could just hold a blanket with nothing inside. Everyone said that wouldn’t do. They
were running out of ideas.
On
the day of the performance, the prison chaplain came running to the group of
actors and said, “I think I found something that you can use for baby Jesus.” Now
the play could go on.
The
Christmas story was portrayed beautifully and the inmates were enjoying the
performance.
They
came to the scene where the prisoner with the mop on his head playing Mary was
about to reveal her baby—the Christ child. Mary picked up a blanket from the
manger (the cardboard box) and carefully unwrapped it. Inside the blanket was
not a doll, but a cross that had been hanging in the chaplain’s office. A cross
in the manger—what a perfect example of why Jesus came to earth!
Jesus
born—to die. That’s an incredible thought. He left heaven and took
on a human body was so that He would die on a cross for your sins. He was physically
born 2,000 years ago, but He wants to be spiritually born in your heart today. And
that’s the complete Christmas story. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net @Kent Crockett
Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
