Traveling, some years back, my husband, son and I visited a community who had developed a “live stage of Nazareth.” When we were ushered into the “play” we were confronted with busy townspeople, all going “about their business.” There were women getting water from a well, a street vendor selling wares and beggars on the street. Our journey continued, until finally we were at an animal stable with a trough. It wasn’t the cleanest spot of the town, but it wasn’t supposed to be; animals lived there! By the time we finished our “tour” of the town I was completely mesmerized by how “real” the whole situation had felt!
As children, many of us participated in Christmas Plays. It’s wonderful to be able to hone in on the context and genuine feelings initiated by those who experienced the “original first Christmas.” But it’s safe to say, often the best efforts of little ones add a spark of humor in the way only little ones can!
It seems some of the oddest things can happen during our local Christmas plays. There is the normal situation where a child forgets his lines and needs a little coaching, or a little angel whose halo keeps falling, regardless how many times it is adjusted. But occasionally there is the child who when playing a camel will have one of the lumps on his back shift to the side as he makes his way down the aisle. Or the little angel who didn’t allow for the door and finds her wings ripped off. And when the young ones sing there is always one child who sings much louder than the others, and one who sings totally off key.
But no matter what happens during these precious plays, it’s the idea that we become part of the holiday. We are in the first Christmas story that happened so many years ago. We get a giggle out of the “odd” thing that happened, but it’s the story that stays with us. It’s that feeling of Christmas that can’t be replaced by any material gift.
Certainly, we are grateful for the gifts we receive. It’s a joy to watch the children’s eyes light up with delight as they open that one gift they were hoping for all year. But it’s traditions like the Christmas play people use to “reconnect” with the “joy of the season.”
Christmas parades and other productions continue around the country. It’s awesome when small towns have their own parades and celebrations, with the entire community taking part. Some towns will produce their own version of the Nativity story, much like the one we visited while traveling but not on such a detailed or grand scale.
Most people, however, as our Christmas traditions become more and more secular, decorate with Santa, the Grinch, elves and Charlie Brown/Snoopy characters. I enjoy seeing these decorations, but they are not the heart of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the singular reason why we have Christmas. He is God in human form, providing the means of the Perfect Atonement for our sins.
Our connections with the season is important. It is why we celebrate. I encourage you to reflect on your traditions of Christmas. What do they symbolize? Do they share the message of the birth of the Christ Child and redemption or something else?
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