Two days before Christmas, and the day after my 63rd birthday, I went north to Madison, Maine to do my program for the Somerset County Jail Christmas chapel.  It was a beautiful, albeit early and cold (-1 F) ride.  Since is two hours away from my home in Bridgton, there was plenty of time for prayer and reflection before arriving. Once I was there and set up, I was pleased with the turn out of about 50 inmates and staff people.

Since this was a Christmas chapel, I obviously wanted to emphasize the birth of Christ.  Consequently, I rethought my presentation of some routines and tricks to make a more direct connection to Christmas.  After on opening routine of dove and flower productions, I juggled to an upbeat version of "Jingle Bells".  I followed this with a couple silly tricks which get the audience fully on board with me. 

What I tried to do - and think I was successful - was to look at five Old Testament prophecies and how they pointed to Jesus.  This was not as heady as it might sound, but I did read each prophecy from scriptire, mostly to make sure I got them right.  Then I had a routine that visually represented those passages.  It definitely gave it a more 'chapelly' feel than usual.

I have to admit that my juggling was definitely off that morning.  This was third show since getting a painful and lingering ear infection, but I think the real reason for my subpar skills was that the guard at the front desk wouldn't let me bring my coffee into the jail!  It was in a metal travel mug, which she deemed dangerous.    Regardless, like my daughter, Jo, told me on the phone that night, we had fun and Gospel was clearly presented, so it was a success.

Merry Christmas.