Continuing the dialogue.....
An L.M. Montgomery Christmas
Dear Friend,
As a theater ministry, Acacia seeks to offer high quality theater, which affords the opportunity to view one's life in relationship to the fullness of God's truth. We pray that our shows offer an occasion for thanksgiving, growth, enjoyment and understanding. Without detracting from the theater experience, which we hope you enjoyed, and obviously without foreknowledge of topics dealt with in the "Talk Back," we would like to continue the dialogue by sharing some of the thoughts that the board of directors discussed after reading this play.
Aunt Theodora had packed a seemingly bottomless basket of goodies that helped sustain the train’s passengers when they got stuck in a snow storm. She never hesitated to share openly and freely from her bounty. She had a gift for sensing what others needed, and she used her gift as Romans 12:8 encourages us to—
“—if (a man’s gift) is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously.”
Theodora shared without reservation because she had learned that “There’s a joy that comes from giving out of trust, that’s the gift of love.” The minister even observed—“Ma’am I believe God has been filling and re-filling that basket of yours, the more you give things away.”
By showing such openhearted kindness to her fellow passengers, she also gained their trust and confidence. She was truly following Christ’s exhortation to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 Soon the intimate details of their lives and dreams began to be revealed as they shared not only Theodora’s food and their circumstances, but also what was in their hearts. Aunt Theodora helped them realize that their hearts would be filled with joy not only from giving material gifts but also through looking at their dreams and circumstances from the perspective of a loving heart. The “walls” people had put up between themselves and the rest of the world dissolved in the face of loving concern. Or as the playwright stated—
‘The things we find so hard to give
Can free the dreams of our hearts to live
And precious things we long to hold,
Can only live if we let go.’
Theodora’s gentle probing looked beyond what was presented outwardly. She looked as we are told God looks—
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.
Theodora—Gift of God—truly was a gift of God for the passengers on that train.
“The gift of God, is to give the gift of Love, That’s the place to start, to find the Christmas in your heart.”And let us remember the greatest gift of God, the greatest gift of love -- His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May He live in your hearts!
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Acacia Theatre Company
