How can I even begin to encapsulate all that dinner theater entailed?  Sure, it was full of rehearsal, writing, set building, tedious painting, menu preparations, puppet construction, sound and light checks, scheduling, serving, ticket sales logistics, car parking, lots of snow moving, human to elf transformations, sound recordings, costume sewing, memorization, linen washing, decorating, table setting, dish washing, and ice sculpture construction.  It was born out of prayer: a prayer that people could step away in the midst of a busy season—-to enjoy great service and food, to laugh, and to ultimately experience deeper aspects of our Savior.  While in the past I have loved being a server, this year I was a part of the cast.  These pictures simply represent a glimpse of it all. 

Act one featured a hilarious depiction of elves in santa’s workshop as one elf uncovered letters from truly hurting kids.  Distraught about this discovery from the letters, the troubled elf demanded to see Mr. Clause certain that santa could bring benevolence over bounty.  Upon meeting the big guy, the elf realized that while he and the other elves diligently worked in santa’s shop, the existence of pain and hurt did indeed exist.  Santa exposed the reality that santa and the elves were NOT real, while the lives of the children were REAL.  Act two unveiled a present day toy shop.  A troubled intruder sought to break into the store to take his own life.  An intense encounter with the toy shop owner left the man to share his personal hurts, which he once wrote to santa in a series of letters.  In moments of cutting dialogue, the toy shop owner shares true hope through Jesus with his intruder.  The drama left viewers laughing, and some wiped tears…ultimately challenging people to think about what the ultimate meaning of Christmas truly is. The offer of LIFE.  The challenge to relinquish our desire for CONTROL.  The admission of FEAR.  Are we putting on a facade “tapping toys” seeking to do something useful on this side of heaven?  What truly matters?  Why?