The Gift

     Daddy worked late last night so we could take some time off this afternoon to go see Praise in Motion's "The Gift."  It was a wonderful opportunity to take Madison to see ballet dancers in action.  Her eyes were glued to the stage, as the ballerinas twirled and danced on point across the set pieces.

     The performance is designed to creatively communicate the real Christmas message - an entertaining series of dances that walk the audience through different parts of the Nativity story.  The angels, the shepherds - and even the sheep are there, as well as Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  Set to beautiful Christmas music, this is a performance we've seen for several years now.  It's free to attend, though they do ask for donations.

     Madison was actively watching it at times.  She couldn't help but try to imitate the dancers on stage when they'd kick or throw their arms upward.  That's why Mommy and Daddy picked the back row!

     This year's performance was a little different from the past several years - it was still enjoyable for Mommy and Daddy, although they prefer last year's more traditional format.  Still, this is a free event that the dancers and stagehands put a tremendous amount of work into, and we are happy to support any dance ministry.  Especially after having seen Madison's reaction to the dancers!

     Seriously, she twirled and danced after the show - and during the show too.  Leaving the performance, she was quite happy.  We asked her if she enjoyed it, and of course she said, "yeah."  During the performance, we tried to tell her the story as it unfolded, how Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem and how the Wise Men came with their crowns to lay at Jesus' feet.  Madison knows the word "crown," too.  She owns a crown or two, and made sure she called that out from the audience during the production.  

Madison:  "Crown!"

Daddy and Mommy:  "Shhhhhhh!"

     All in all, we were glad we went.  For one, the exposure was good for Madison.  Another reason is that it has become a Christmas tradition for us, and a nice thing to do this time of year.  Finally, it's just a great and creative way to tell the Christmas story to Madison.

     Speaking of which, recently we've ordered another item to help us tell the real story of Christmas.  It is a Little People nativity set.  This one came with a manger, Wise Men and their tents, and even a few of those inns that seem to always be full of people.  

     It's a great tool for teaching the Bible, and the real meaning of Christmas.  Madison has been playing with this set nonstop ever since she opened it too.  At one point, there were at least twenty farm animals all lined up in a straight line, apparently waiting to see the baby Jesus.  Towards the end of the line were Leo, Annie, Quincy and June:  the Little Einsteins.  Everybody wants to see Jesus!