The Gift of Amahl
The Gift of Amahl
Last weekend, our wonderful church offered a beautiful presentation of Amahl and the Night Visitors to the community. I wasn’t familiar with the story, and my heart was warmed by the goodness and depth of its message. As stage manager, I sat through the rehearsals and watched the show grow from a tentative “stumble-through”—where actors first navigated the stage and each other—into a final dress rehearsal where everything clicked.
Imagine my surprise when I sat in the audience on opening night, beaming with pride and… laughing. I had seen the show eight or nine times before it was performed for an audience, yet I had no idea how funny it was. I had quietly chuckled at a few comical moments—the Page’s frantic preparations to seat the kings properly, and Kaspar’s “This Is My Box” song—but it was the tender and also humorous interactions between Mother and Amahl that suddenly came alive. Instead of four or five of us scattered around the sanctuary, it took a full room of people laughing together to reveal the show’s true delight. By the end, I had tears in my eyes, not only from laughter but also from the deeply moving message. As I looked around, I was not the only one.
That night I learned something new: a show is not a show without an audience. Both sides bring it to life. The performers offer their talent and dedication, and the audience returns energy and response. Until it is shared, a performance isn’t fully alive. A gift needs a recipient; only then is the circle of giving and receiving complete.
Later in the week, I had the privilege of praying in the hospital with a dear church member. The same truth struck me again—the holy circle of giving and receiving. I was the one praying, and she was the one receiving the prayer, yet together it became a sacred moment for both of us. I’ve experienced that before, on both sides, but I had never quite named how one completes the other.
In this season of giving, I am reminded that a gift isn’t truly a gift unless it is offered. When we pray with someone, it becomes a sacred exchange that binds two people. Often in this blog, I share prayer practices meant for our individual time with God—and that time matters deeply. But I also hope you have the chance to pray with another person and experience that holy connection. The words don’t need to be polished or eloquent; they need only be sincere. Even a brief prayer can become sacred ground.
I’m not saying you need to seek this out or that you’re missing something if you don’t. But stay open to the moment. If the Spirit nudges you to offer a prayer for someone dear to you, follow that prompting. In giving, you will receive—of that, I’m sure.
As always, go make peace, my friends.
Pastor Leanne
Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502
info@sjcpres.org