Christmas Love

[Deleted]

If you do not believe Christ belongs in Christmas you might want to skip it.

Wanted to share this though with those that do.

The "W" in Christmas - Author Unknown
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.

[busymom]

I always love a story with a happy ending!

[Green Eyed Lady]

It's very easy to forget the "Reason for the Season" in all the hustle and bustle of the preparations.  I also  took a step back this year.  All I was feeling toward Christmas Day was dread.  All the cooking, all the cleaning up - two big meals for the family.  In past years, I have gone home about 6:00 p.m. and fallen dead asleep in a chair.  How is that celebrating the true spirit of Christmas?  This year, I'm going to midnight services at my church, preparing the mandatory early Christmas breakfast appearance at my Mom's, going to late morning services again, and then coming home to relax and count my blessings...for they are many.  I don't HAVE to attend the two separate services.  I WANT to attend them.

Thank you for the story and for the reminder.

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

This is good stuff Xmas. Interesting too, I have been watching this Christmas lights competition show and I would say close to half the contestants have pointed out the reason for the season.

IMHO, it will be interesting to see what the world will be like when everyone is humbled by what JC did for us.

[mmhmm]

What a lovely story, Aham!  I do hope there was such a little girl, and such an event.  Even if there wasn't, it's still a great story!  Thanks for posting it.

[thyme4change]

Pagans unite and take back the holiday.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Dec 22, 2013 17:00:12 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Pagans unite and take back the holiday.

If they're Pagans, then they can't unite to take back a holiday that wasn't theirs to begin with.

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

Dec 22, 2013 15:37:05 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

What a lovely story, Aham!  I do hope there was such a little girl, and such an event.  Even if there wasn't, it's still a great story!  Thanks for posting it.

  I agree it's a great story mmhmm, I think you might have had a typo there though, the op was xmascookie...

[thyme4change]

Dec 22, 2013 20:03:12 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

Dec 22, 2013 17:00:12 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Pagans unite and take back the holiday.

If they're Pagans, then they can't unite to take back a holiday that wasn't theirs to begin with.

Do some research.

[mmhmm]

Dec 29, 2013 13:03:35 GMT -5 Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger said:

Dec 22, 2013 15:37:05 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

What a lovely story, Aham!  I do hope there was such a little girl, and such an event.  Even if there wasn't, it's still a great story!  Thanks for posting it.

  I agree it's a great story mmhmm, I think you might have had a typo there though, the op was xmascookie...

Oops!  Thanks, Aham!  Thanks, @xmascookie, for the great story! 

[Deleted]