Christmas time always makes me recall the Christmases past.  I was driving home one evening and past a local country church.  The parking lot was unusually full and I suspected they were having their Christmas program.  It didn’t take long to confirm that I was right.  Coming through the front door at a fast pace was one of the shepherds!  It looked as if he was trying to escape, but the church was small and I’m sure the shepherds and wise men were entering from outside.  I got a chuckle out of it and then it reminded me of Lauren’s first Christmas play.
Lauren was two years old when she first appeared on stage at the Shady Grove Freewill Baptist Church Christmas pageant.  She was chosen to open the event since she couldn’t quite memorize a part.  She was suppose to walk out on stage, as the homemade curtain was pulled open and say her lines.  We rehearsed over and over and over, hi, you are welcome to our Christmas play!  She knew the lines perfectly.  I would say several times a day, “Lauren, say your lines.”  She would immediately reply with so much fervor, “HI YOU ARE WECOME TO OWR CHWISMAS PWAY.” Rs and Ls were still a problem. It was sooooo cute!  On the night of the play, she had on her Christmas outfit, a little white ruffled blouse, plaid skirt, red knee socks, black patent Mary Janes.  Again, too cute.  She was positioned behind the homemade curtain and I was behind the organ, you know, just in case.  As curtain parted and the light hit her, she froze.
I kept prompting her but as she realized there were lots of people watching her, she started  backing up, shaking her head, saying no, no, no, no, no! She ran to me behind the organ and the play went on without a proper welcome.
Whether you find the shepherds running out the door, the baby playing Jesus having a meltdown in the manger, or the cute little girl welcoming you to the program backing up in fright, I hope you will enjoy the season and make some wonderful memories of you own. Â Oh, be sure to go to the Christmas pageant! Â It will definitely make your Christmas merry.
What is it about kids that make Christmas so wonderful? I guess it is because it was a small child who came and stole our hearts. Now, he helps us to see life through the eyes of a child. Children are the God’s best teachers. Thank God for kids. They have a lot to teach us. Merry Christmas to all of the Talleys. God’s richest blessings on you today and the in the New Year.
Debra, Kids are full of amazement and wonder at Christmas. They make Christmas a lot more merry and bright. It is so enjoyable to watch children in a Christmas play.
Merry Christmas to the Talleys and a Happy New Year.
Hope to see you all soon.
Love,
Charles and Joyce
adorable story, mrs talley. thanks for sharing. its been a blessing to me to have met you and then two weeks later , Jeff and Sheri( no last name needed) performed at our church. although i practically have no family , i still have some fellowship and it has been a blessing. especially when we get to see sweet innocence in children. happy new year to all, David Rice