"From Audience to Stage"

On the cusp of a new year, Reverend Holt delivers a rich, reflective sermon drawn from the majestic prologue of the Gospel of John, reminding the congregation that they are not merely spectators in the story of redemption—they are called to the stage. Drawing on theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar’s concept of the Theodrama versus the Ego Drama, Holt casts a compelling vision: God is not only the author and director of history—He has also stepped onto the stage Himself in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Theodrama, Reverend Holt explains, is the cosmic narrative of God’s glory, truth, and beauty unfolding in the world. Yet, humanity often rejects this divine storyline in favor of the ego drama—self-authored stories that ignore God’s presence. Referencing the Incarnation in John 1 and the powerful moment of “Let there be light” in Genesis, Holt paints the image of a divine spotlight illuminating the stage of creation—inviting us to respond not with detachment, but with devotion.