AS Christmas approaches many of you may be thinking about attending a local church service.

Maybe to feel Christmassy or to attend a school carol service to hear your children or grandchildren.

Last Christmas, I received a telephone call from a local radio station asking how open our church was to visitors at Christmas. I wasn’t sure why the question was asked as I like to think we are always open to visitors.

However, imagine what would happen if Jesus actually came in human form and attended a church service in disguise. Maybe, the account may go something like this:

He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”

The visitor went inside, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!”

The disguised visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change.

His horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?” The visitor replied, “I took your place.”

In all of the excitement of the season, let’s try and not forget the Christ of the Christmas.