Where will you be when Christmas finds you? It happened to me tonight in a most unexpected way.

This morning, I was in the office commiserating with someone who shared my sense that it just did not feel like Christmas. Sure, many of our presents are already purchased, and yes, the carols have been playing in the stores and in our car. There is even plenty of snow on the ground and more falling even now. In so many ways, the signs of the season are all around, yet, I still wasn’t feeling like it was Christmas.

I was blaming it on a busy November and the exhaustion that followed. There are still many preparations left to address, and programs to attend. Both factors only served to obscure my experience of Christmas even more.

Tonight, included one more activity to fit into a over-full schedule. My youngest daughter was performing in her last High School Christmas Concert. I was excited to support her, and a little melancholy about this season of school concerts coming to an end. I knew it would be fun to be there, but I really did not want one more thing to attend. I drove to the school with my wife and daughter, hoping that the concert would not go too late.

My daughter did a great job, along with the rest of her choral ensemble. The other groups also did a great job. It was clear they preparation was paying off and I was enjoying the concert.

Then, it happened, the final group entered the auditorium singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The tune they chose was a form of Gregorian Chant and its power was very moving. I felt my heart begin to warm. A few more pieces and I was captivated. As the last selection began, in a moment I never expected, Christmas found me. There standing in the fourth row center, savoring the choir and the orchestra as they performed the, “Alleluia Chorus,” I was overtaken by the power, wonder and awe of the season. Suddenly, it was Christmas in my heart. With a smile on my face and tears in my eyes, the joy of the season flooded over me. It was wonderful.

Just when I though the concert was over there was a final surprise. All of the choirs returned, surrounded the audience and, as the lights dimmed, sang, “Silent Night.” it was the perfect ending to the concert, and the perfect beginning of my Christmas season. Who knew it would be a High School choral concert that would open my heart to God’s great message of Christmas this year?

So, where will you be when Christmas finds you; when God captures your attention afresh and inspires your spirit to soar in the season? What unexpected ways is the Holy Spirit using in your life to speak joy, love and life to you? Are you willing to be ready to receive the gift wherever, and however, it may arrive? This may be your chance to enter in and begin to experience the beauty and wonder of this holy season. May you be richly blessed as Christmas finds you this year.