I do quite a bit of singing, for example.

And I used to be embarrassed by it. I didn't mind doing a solo In worship, but doing a whole "concert" made me ill at ease. It just didn't seem "pastoral," even if the music is all Gospel.

But somewhere along the way the embarrassment wore off.

I'm singing more now than at any other time In my life.

I've even made an album -- a CD. You can get one at the church. Or send fifteen bucks to St. Matthew and I will send you one.

See -- I have no shame!

Twice a year I dress up in costume to do portions of the Gospel story -- at Christmas and at Easter.

Suddenly I'm an actor, strutting around like I think I'm Lawrence Olivier.

Again, It used to bother me, but now -- who cares?

I have decided that I will do almost anything that will communicate the Gospel.

Paul said that we must be fools for Christ, and I've taken him at his word.

Of course -- at Christmas, I make sure others become fools with me! We'll have several people In costume for our Christmas Story from Luke this Sunday evening.

I actually love this event, mainly because the story itself is the star -- told in words right out of the Bible.

That's "told' -- meaning spoken, not read. The story comes to life for us.

And beautiful music from the choir illustrates the story.

The impression we come away with is what a glorious thing Luke has given us in his great narrative -- and what a glorious thing God has given us in Jesus Christ.

Obviously, I want you to come. There Is a turkey dinner at 5:00 with performance at 6:00.

Nothing formal. Come as you are. An offering is taken, but no charge for meal or admission.

Come! Let me tell you a story.

And be in worship on Christmas Eve -- at St. Matthew or somewhere else. At St. Matthew one part of the service never changes. I step from the pulpit to the lectern and sing In the Bleak Midwinter.

I sing a lot these days -- all of it for the babe In the manger -- the man on the cross.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!