Oh Holy Night

　

It was Christmas Eve and we were preparing to have our annual

Christmas Eve candlelight service. This year would be extra special because

our small congregation actually had enough children to have a proper

Christmas pageant. Ben and Laura were both 5 years old and made a very cute Joseph and Mary. Since Mary was so young we thought it best to use a doll for Jesus.

The evening was working out to be perfect. Outside snow was gently falling, just enough to be pretty, but not dangerous for travel. The windows of the church glowed softly through the night . People began to arrive laughing and chatting, calling out Christmas greetings to one another.

Once inside everyone found there favorite pew and sat just enjoying the peaceful setting. The pews had been polished until they shone and you could smell lemon polish mingling with the scent of burning candles and fresh pine. Poinsettias decorated the alter where the crèche sat.

The Pastor stood up front and welcomed everyone. We sang a few carols and then The pastor began to read the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph, escorted by the Sunday school teacher began to make their way to the Crèche. Both had stubborn looks on their faces and had to be prodded along. Finally Mary sat holding Jesus. Everyone was quietly listening to the Christmas story, when Joseph leaned over and said something to Mary, nobody is quite sure what. Suddenly Mary jumped up, swung Jesus by his feet, hitting Joseph alongside the head. She then stormed off the alter and crawled under her Mom’s pew, and cried as though her heart was broken.

Poor Joseph sat sobbing loudly and holding his head. He could be heard saying over and over, “ I won’t ever play with girls again!”

The Pastor chuckled and said, “ Well I usually quote the Angel now and say Peace on Earth and good will to men!, and that’s especially needed tonight. May G-d bless you all as we celebrate this season of Peace and Love.”



       It’s been 20 years since that Pageant and today I was fortunate enough to witness Ben and Laura’s wedding. Their courtship was long and not without a few battles, and I hope they’re always as happy as they are

today! But I’ll always remember the first domestic battle they had!