The Christmas Mix-Up

As we prepare for coming of the Christ-child, I want to share with you a favorite story of mine, written by a dear friend of mine. Carol Kehlmeier, is a long-time member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio (my previous congregation). She is the mother of four boys, and is a great writer. The setting for this story is the church in Westerville.  It is called “The Christmas Mix-Up.” You will soon learn why.

Outside the little white country church, the feathery snow was falling gently, creating a picturesque scene in the bright moonlight. Inside, we sat in the warmth of the glowing candles and glittering Christmas tree, anticipating the entrance of the children. It was the annual children’s Christmas program. I had been rehearsing our four little boys daily with the lines they were to say that night. We had gone over their speeches until even the youngest knew what he was to say and when he was to say it.

“I hope they remember everything,” I whispered anxiously to Husband. The lights dimmed and the beautiful old stained-glass windows created a cozy, yet reverent setting in the candlelight. I had done well, I thought proudly. As a reward for their diligent work, each night I served them cookies and cocoa at bedtime along with reading, “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

The organ began playing, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” the tiny voices joining in confidently. The rustling of children sounded in the back of the church. They began their march to the chancel, then were directed into neat rows by their adult leader. I took a deep breath and waited for the children to begin to tell the story of the birth of the Christ Child.

“And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the fields,” a sixth-grader called out. Children dressed in bathrobes marched up the aisle, holding high their make-shift staffs. “And lo, the angel of the Lord shone round about them,” another voice called. A trail of preschoolers tripped up the aisle in white sheets and paper wings, their halos askew.

“Behold! I bring you tidings of great joy!” announced a tiny voice. My heart pounded. It was time for our oldest to make his theatrical premiere. “And what to my wandering eyes should appear,” he said boldly. I swallowed. “What’d he say?” I whispered. “A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer!” Our second born followed his lead.

Husband looked at me and grinned. ”That’s what you get for mixing religion with fantasy,” he said softly. “With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick,” our 4-year old called.

There were snickers and giggles from all over the sanctuary. Three boys dressed as wise men marched down the aisle carrying their gifts, while the adult leader tittered behind her fingertips.

Other parents must have been reading theft children the same poem because they continued line for line, one after the other until our youngest shouted with gusto, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! “Then he paused and finished with what he had rehearsed, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

By this time, the entire congregation was laughing. The wise teacher, wiping tears of laughter from her cheeks stood in front of the children, spoke softly and the first child began the speech. The second time around, each child continued telling the Christmas story from the book of St. Luke — and when it ended — received a mighty applause, followed by cookies and cocoa in the fellowship hall. 

-          For unto you is born a savior, who is Christ the Lord.  O come let us adore him!

Peace

Pastor Charlie