Angels Among Us written and directed by Pastor Brandon Green. Here’s the reason behind the story, in Pastor Brandon’s words.
“Angels Among Us” is a modern telling of the beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.” This humerus, yet poignant play tells the story of a man who needing saving at Christmas, and an angel’s attempt to help redeem him, all the while trying to get her wings. This fun, sentimental production is set in the 1940’s and presents well known Christmas songs from a bygone era.
The Cast
The 15 person cast features both pastors from Calvary Chapel of Praise: Lead Pastor Brandon Green, and Youth Pastor Andrew Rhoad, as well as Ethan VanSickle, Helena Van Sickle, Destiny Little, Sarah Dawes, Alicia Arseneau, Kayley Arseneau, Wesley Dawes, Tristen Arseneau, Sabrina Florence, Jason Adcock, Victoria Dawes, Victoria Clow, Jillian Werling, and Natalie Green.
Holiday Stress
During the holidays, it seems that everything either builds to a wonderful, joyous time, or a very stressful time, depending where you are in life. The character I created, John, is a good man, but has somehow missed the most important thing of all: his relationship with His Savior, and also with his wife and kids. John’s Savior complex has created a mess. Many of us can identify with wanting a perfect holiday, and
try as we may, to hold it together, especially for everyone else at Christmas. Examine your heart this Christmas. Be sure that you’ve made room for the Savior to be the King of your life. When our relationship with God is made right, somehow all the other relationships in our lives can be healed, too.”
Matthew 2:11: “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The Real Reason
What’s the real reason for Christmas? Most people could probably answer this question by stating “the birth of Christ.” But are we truly celebrating the birth of Christ? Sure, the wise
men brought Him gifts, but they also worshiped Him. While we give gifts to each other, ask yourself what gift you are bringing to Him. The wise men knew the significance of Christ, so they brought Him gifts and worshiped Him.
The true gift of Christmas is Christ – the Son of God – who became a man and willingly sacrificed Himself for the atonement of our sins to save us from a justly deserved, eternal punishment. We are blessed exceedingly by this gift but only seem to celebrate it once a year, although we should be celebrating year-round. Do we truly understand who jesus is and what He did? Our prayer this year is that you will focus on what you are giving to Christ, and worship Him. If you would like us to pray with you, please call us at 419.229.4475 or email prayer@ccofpraise.com. -Pastor Brandon Green