Countdown to Bethlehem Live - 37 Days to Go

The preparations for Bethlehem Live are now well underway, costumes are being chosen, lines learned and scenery painted. As things take shape the excitement is rising as people start to see how good Bethlehem Live will be. For example, last night,I was at a meeting where the market scene was being planned, and the enthusiasm was tangible as people organised what Jewish foods will be prepared to give the market that taste of authentic Israeli culture. I for one am now looking forward to the event with even more interest, as I look forward to tasting the goods!

There's a lot of hard work to be done over the next few weeks to bring Bethlehem Live to life. An important part of that preparation is prayer. We need to keep firmly in mind that getting people along to have a good time and enjoy the event is only part of the plan, and that what we really want is for people is for people to receive the best ever Christmas present, as they accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. We will not see this happen without prayer.

Some things to pray for

1. The people you will invite!There is always the temptation to leave the inviting to someone else, yet you really are the best person to invite the people you know. Pray that each invitation is received well and that people come along and find the true meaning Christmas for themselves.
   
   
2. The publicity. The press, radio and TV will be faced with lots of Christmas events they might report on, please pray that they see that Bethlehem Live has that certain something that offer them a better story. Also pray that people respond to the publicity, whether that's through the press or simply through good old word of mouth.
   
   
3. The preparation. It's great to see some many churches joining together to play their part. Pray that things come together easily like pieces of a well designed jigsaw. Ask Father to bless the event and to give it a unique synergy, so that the whole thing exceeds the sum of it's individual parts.
   
   
4. The perception. Pray that the whole event will find favour with the people of Bury. Pray that people enjoy it and that people's view of Church, Christmas and Christians is changed for the better as a result of Bethlehem Live.
   
   
5. The present. Pray that people realise that Jesus came as the perfect Christmas gift. Ask Father that many would come and experience His life changing presence and be born again as a result.