Last night, I sat in my church watching my kindergartner, 3^rd grader and 5^th grader participate in their school’s Christmas program.  It was wonderful!  The sixth grade class performed a neat little variation of the Christmas story, focusing on a forgotten “fourth wise man” who was not able to make it to Bethlehem in time to see the baby Jesus and present him with gifts because he stopped along the way to help others in need and ended up using the gifts to help the others.  (Actually, I should say “she” since the part was wonderfully played by a sixth grade girl who had to learn her lines in one day because the original student cast got sick.)  The whole point of the story was the fourth wise man exemplified the true Christmas spirit and his actions foreshadowed the message the baby Jesus would preach 30-some years later – “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

In addition to the touching story, what was neat about the program was how well the music director mixed in the songs with the telling of the story and how well the kids performed the songs.  Whether it was the vocal talent of the older kids or the pure enthusiasm and expressions of the younger kids, the whole thing was a sight to behold and definitely worthy of the standing ovation a few of us gave it. I would suggest most all present agreed, though only a few of us stood, since we Minnesotans are not often inclined to stand and clap at the same time.

With the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, I have to admit I was fighting back feelings of guilt, thinking how can I be sitting here enjoying my kids perform this Christmastime ritual while those out East are experiencing unfathomable anguish and grief.  I looked around the church and paid particular attention to the smiles of the proud parents and other family members and to a dad who was holding his pre-school-aged son on his lap and concluded this is exactly what we should be doing.  I would suggest we honor the lives of those 20 school children by making every effort to treasure and celebrate the young children in our own lives and making sure they know each and every day how much they are valued.  The presents our children open on Christmas day may have cost a bit of money but knowing they are loved by us is a gift that is priceless.