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 ofthe 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.

Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON.