Jump to content

The "W" in Christmas

CG480

By CG480
in 2005

 Share

Recommended Posts

CG480

CG480

Posted
Posted

The "W" in Christmas

 

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on

nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even

overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family

moments, and of

course, the true meaning of Christmas.

 

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting

season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his

school's "Winter Pageant."

 

I didn't have the heart to tell him I! 'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling

to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress

rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were

welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

 

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found

a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several

other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students

were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat

cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform

their song.

 

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday

as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial

entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

 

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly

taken aback by its bold title.

 

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy

mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in

the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell

out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a

child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on,

until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message,

"Christmas Love."

 

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a

small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally unaware her

letter "M" appeared as a "W."

 

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's

mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood

tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the

children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we

all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to

widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we

celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a

purpose for our festivities.

 

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

 

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

 

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence...Humbled by His

love. May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us...

 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...