The Performance of a Lifetime
This blog post is
dedicated in memory of Annaleigh Smith, who at 15 months old, impacted the world
in ways few people will ever do in their lifetime. The title and inspiration
was taken from Myron Smith's post entitled, "What Christmas Could Not
Do."
On April 11, 2012 a drama played that caught the attention of the world. It began as most dramas do, with lots of behind-the-scenes preparation in anticipation of the actual performance. The only thing is, none of the actors or prop crew knew they were preparing for this drama. The curtain was closed as the day began just like all the other days as Annaleigh and her mommy awoke to smiles and giggles. Soon they trekked downstairs for breakfast and morning hugs and kisses from Lolly and Poppy. After breakfast, Annaleigh was held safe in Poppy's arms as they paced the living room in morning prayer.
As the performance drew near, Uncle Scott stopped by for a visit, leaving the door not quite shut all the way upon his departure. The ditch across the street was filled with water, ready for the performance to begin. Bishop the Poodle Dog wandered out of the house with Annaleigh and two angels following him. The angels stepped back as Annaleigh fell into the ditch, taking center stage with her Lord as the performance of her lifetime began.
The tragic scene unfolded as Redonia pulled Annaleigh out of the water and the paramedics rushed her to the emergency room. As the call for prayer went forth, the curtains opened for all the world to watch. For 36 hours, we watched Annaleigh and her Lord dance between earth and Heaven. For 36 hours, the audience cried, pleaded, hoped and proclaimed faith as we prayed. For 36 hours and forever, this angel named Annaleigh dancing in the Presence of Her Lord captured our hearts with her radiant smile, beautiful dress and big hairbow.
When Annaleigh took her heavenly angel wings and flew to Heaven, Her Lord took center stage alone. We watched the Lord Jesus as he gave the families supernatural strength, comfort and peace. So many in the audience had never witnessed this kind of performance before and were awed by it. We watched as Jesus brought people who never knew Him before onto His Stage of Salvation. We watched as Jesus reconciled with people who once knew Him but had wandered off His Stage.
Yes, this was Annaleigh's performance of her lifetime, and oh what a marvelous one it was! However, it was not Jesus' performance of a lifetime. His greatest performance took place 2,000 years ago when He left the splendor of Heaven, robed Himself in flesh and became a little baby born on earth. Not unlike the day Annaleigh was born, there was joy and celebration, amidst speculation and doubt at Jesus' birth. He lived on earth 33 1/2 years before He died on a cross, was buried in a tomb and arose from the grave three days later. His death, burial and resurrection was The Performance of a Lifetime.
He invites each and every one of us to join Him onstage. However, there is only ONE entrance to His Stage, only ONE plan of salvation. The plan of salvation can be found in Acts 2:38, a scripture in the Holy Bible. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Let's join Him in the Performance of a Lifetime!
On April 11, 2012 a drama played that caught the attention of the world. It began as most dramas do, with lots of behind-the-scenes preparation in anticipation of the actual performance. The only thing is, none of the actors or prop crew knew they were preparing for this drama. The curtain was closed as the day began just like all the other days as Annaleigh and her mommy awoke to smiles and giggles. Soon they trekked downstairs for breakfast and morning hugs and kisses from Lolly and Poppy. After breakfast, Annaleigh was held safe in Poppy's arms as they paced the living room in morning prayer.
As the performance drew near, Uncle Scott stopped by for a visit, leaving the door not quite shut all the way upon his departure. The ditch across the street was filled with water, ready for the performance to begin. Bishop the Poodle Dog wandered out of the house with Annaleigh and two angels following him. The angels stepped back as Annaleigh fell into the ditch, taking center stage with her Lord as the performance of her lifetime began.
The tragic scene unfolded as Redonia pulled Annaleigh out of the water and the paramedics rushed her to the emergency room. As the call for prayer went forth, the curtains opened for all the world to watch. For 36 hours, we watched Annaleigh and her Lord dance between earth and Heaven. For 36 hours, the audience cried, pleaded, hoped and proclaimed faith as we prayed. For 36 hours and forever, this angel named Annaleigh dancing in the Presence of Her Lord captured our hearts with her radiant smile, beautiful dress and big hairbow.
When Annaleigh took her heavenly angel wings and flew to Heaven, Her Lord took center stage alone. We watched the Lord Jesus as he gave the families supernatural strength, comfort and peace. So many in the audience had never witnessed this kind of performance before and were awed by it. We watched as Jesus brought people who never knew Him before onto His Stage of Salvation. We watched as Jesus reconciled with people who once knew Him but had wandered off His Stage.
Yes, this was Annaleigh's performance of her lifetime, and oh what a marvelous one it was! However, it was not Jesus' performance of a lifetime. His greatest performance took place 2,000 years ago when He left the splendor of Heaven, robed Himself in flesh and became a little baby born on earth. Not unlike the day Annaleigh was born, there was joy and celebration, amidst speculation and doubt at Jesus' birth. He lived on earth 33 1/2 years before He died on a cross, was buried in a tomb and arose from the grave three days later. His death, burial and resurrection was The Performance of a Lifetime.
He invites each and every one of us to join Him onstage. However, there is only ONE entrance to His Stage, only ONE plan of salvation. The plan of salvation can be found in Acts 2:38, a scripture in the Holy Bible. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Let's join Him in the Performance of a Lifetime!
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