Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Countdown to Christmas/Advent (10/23/08)
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TITLE: EVE OF CHRIST'S RETURN | Previous Challenge Entry
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10/23/08 -
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Peter Knew, the son of a minister, was diligently taught to obey God. He married Rebecca Patience and had three lovely children.
It was weeks before Christmas and Peter, a famed music producer, had booked Eden Hall in New York City for a holiday extravaganza titled, “Christ Returns.” His company, Fluid Notes, had just signed a rising star, Gomer Wayward. Her role in the Christ Returns production would be her first major billing since the start of her contract with Fluid Notes. She would be the understudy for the veteran, Ruth Cherish. The understudy role would allow Gomer to perform in all four of the Sunday matinee performances.
Gomer had her mind set on a stellar career. She did not intend to reach famed heights through a slow reasonable process. She had a plan. Lure Peter, and gain a fast route to fame and fortune. She bristled at beginning as the understudy. She had a few weeks to snare her man because her first goal was to displace Ruth in star billing for the Christ Returns production. Little by little, Gomer gained ground with Peter until one afternoon, she cinched her deal. Peter succumbed. They began an affair that would lead to much heartache.
Two weeks before opening night, Peter met with Ruth and told her, “Ruth, I have decided to give Gomer star billing for the extravaganza. You are now the understudy for the role.” Ruth was stunned. She excused herself and hasted away to sob. She prayed, “Lord, my heart aches with sorrow. I need your comfort, and blessed assurances to cope with this pain.” The Lord responded, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. I will strengthen your heart. You will mount up with wings as an eagle. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” With the composure gained from her moments with the Lord, Ruth went to Peter smiling and said, “Peter, I will be delighted to be the understudy. Thank you for the opportunity.”
It was not enough that Gomer had displaced Ruth. She also steadily taunted Ruth and gloated that she was now the star. Ruth continued to cleave to the Lord, and to love Gomer in spite of how Gomer relentlessly mocked her.
On opening night, December 23rd, Peter and Gomer arrived together. Gomer took the stage and sang three Christmas carols. One audience member commented, “She sings well but her delivery has no spirit.” The show continued, and concluded. Gomer received applause but never any exhibits of thunderous appreciation or requests for encores. People knew that Gomer was an adulteress, and many could not enjoy her because of her sordid character. In contrast, on Christmas Eve, Ruth performed superbly with God’s power flowing with every carol she sang. Many of her favorite fans skipped Gomer’s performances and attended all of the matinees. Ruth received positive press, numerous ovations, and so many encore requests that she made a record seven encore appearances. The matinee shows were a sell-out success. The New York Messenger newspaper reported, “Christmas Eve, and Beyond - Understudy Reigns With CHRIST RETURNS.”
Gomer was crestfallen. She “gathered” herself, and remarked, “I still have Peter who will be my “fortune.” Peter left Rebecca and his three children. Gomer moved in with him, and continued to perform but never again with star billing. Ruth accepted a better contract with another company, headed by Daniel Den. She went on to major success.
Eight years later on Christmas Eve…
Peter returned to Christ, severed himself completely from Gomer, and returned to Rebecca and his children. Gomer’s heart melted with grief. She isolated herself for weeks. Ruth heard about Gomer’s misfortune. The Lord spoke to Ruth, “Go to her.” Ruth obeyed. When Gomer opened the door and saw Ruth, she collapsed in her arms. Ruth cradled her, and together they sang the Lord’s Prayer. Over weeks, Ruth continued to minister to Gomer – she led her to Christ.
Months later…
Ruth was nominated for a Stellar award for her carol, “Christmas Cradle.” She invited Gomer to attend the award event with her. Gomer gladly accepted. Ruth won for best Gospel Song. Upon acceptance, she called Gomer to the stage, and exclaimed, “Thank you, Gomer, for all that you contributed to my growth in our Lord. God made this possible for the two of us to stand here united in His holiness.”
…but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; …( I John 3:2-KJV)
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