On the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day, I had the privilege of preaching at my home church.  I focused on twin themes: the brevity of our time here on earth, and Psalm 127 (Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.)  More on the message in a moment.

I had planned on doing a few routines during the service, and, in an attempt at efficiency, set these up in the sanctuary the day before.  This would take some pressure off on Sunday morning when there's so much else going on before church.  However, that Sunday at 8:00 I got a phone call from Alan, our worship team leader, saying that there was no heat in the sanctuary so the service would need to be moved into the fellowship hall. 

So, Sue, the girls and I scrambled to get ourselves ready for church and rushed across town.  Due to the change in venue, I had a lot less space and opted to cut one routine.  Now I would be doing a brand new illusion (a Christmas present) for the kids' message and a juggling routine to 'O come All Ye Faithful" to open the sermon.  During the preaching, I did my card castle routine to set up the passage from Ps 127.

Using New Year's as a jumping off place, I spoke of how time passes quickly, and if we are going to let 'the Lord build the house" of our lives, we need to keep this in mind.  Are there rooms we're still trying to keep him out of?  Are there walls we don't want him to tear down?  Are we treating him like a boarder in a house we are building instead of the one building our lives? 

I don't know the effect this sermon had on the congregation ( although one long time member asked to speak with me and pray with me regarding some walls in his life that need coming down), but I do know that I got a lot out of preparing it.  I have made a point to connect with a friend to share some struggles and pray for each other, for which I am extremely grateful.