Welcome Back, Bunny Best!

I'm going to go home now...

Luke 15

This morning my youth choir - the Celebration Singers - gave their spring musical at both of the worship services.  The story was the prodigal son, and the title of the original musical was, Welcome Back, Billy Best.  However, I don't have any boys in my youth choir - only girls, so we did a little arranging and came back with Welcome Back, Bunny Best.  Bunny is the prodigal daughter, and Betty is the daughter who stays at home with Dad.

The change was made out of necessity, but somehow it also gave a special meaning to a parable we all know.  This father didn't just have a child who was missing - it was his beloved daughter.  At this point in the story, a soloist sings, Don't Let a Day Go By, as the dad moves to the front of the stage and stares off in the distance, hoping against hope that his girl will come home.  Finally a phone call brings the welcome news:  Bunny is on her way home.  At the end of the musical, there is joyous celebration, and a song that has wonderful words for all of us:

It doesn't matter if your life is shattered,

You are welcome back.  Welcome back!

You made a slip-up, but if you fess up,

You are welcome back. Welcome back!

Welcome back, Bunny Best

Welcome back to the nest.

Oh, welcome back - you're back on track!

Welcome back, Bunny Best!