Keep Christ in Christmas

Keeping Christ in Christmas is something my family has always done.

Growing up, I can remember how hard my mom and dad worked to make sure we were at church almost every Sunday and that we were in the Christmas programs, which always took place on Christmas Eve, in a church that was packed to capacity. Everyone knew if you wanted a good seat or one at all, you better get there early.

The programs I performed in were always elaborately done and all the girls not in costume dressed in beautiful dresses, with matching hair bows and shoes. Boys wore nice dress pants and a dress shirt and tie.

When I was going to Sunday school, we had a pretty big group of kids. I remember it was a big deal to be chosen to play one of the parts, including Mary, Joseph, an angel, shepherd, or wise man. I can honestly say I do not ever recall being picked to play one of these parts, which I am sure at the time hurt my little feelings.

However, one year I was chosen to sing a solo, which was a huge surprise because we had a girl in the same grade I was in who was always selected. I think she was shocked when my name was called. I was so nervous, but I guess I did alright because I did receive compliments.

No matter how many times we performed the Christmas Story program, I enjoyed it every year. Just the story of the birth of Christ is so remarkable. A king, Jesus, was born in a manger of all places; and three wise men followed a star to see the savior.

I was pretty good at memorizing, so I would always have the longest parts to recite at the microphone. My sister, on the other hand, was not graced with the gift of memorization. She received a simple phrase, which I would usually memorize also and whisper to her before she went up to say it.

I remember one verse she had to say, “hark, the herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn king.”

I thought for sure she would remember it, but when she got up to the microphone there was nothing but silence. I quickly ran over and whispered the line to her, which she then recited. She was embarrassed, but then we broke into the song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and all was forgotten.

I also remember that we sang and used sign language for “Silent Night, Holy Night,” and “Away in a Manger.” Those were the good old days. For other songs we used bells and chimes and slapped them to the beat.

One of my favorite parts of the whole program was the portion where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were in the manger. All of a sudden, shepherds arrive, with three wise men arriving with gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. I think we usually ended the program with the song “Joy to the World.” I always thought this was fitting since the story always made me feel so much joy. For without the birth, we would not have the death of Jesus, the resurrection, the forgiveness of sins or eternal life.

After the program, we would always receive a brown paper bag filled with goodies that consisted of an orange or an apple, a couple of candy canes, some sort of chocolate and a whole bunch of peanuts, still in the shell.

We would receive hugs from our family and friends. It was like we were stars or something. These are the Christmases I remember the most. I felt so great sharing the good news about Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve with my family and friends. To me, that is what Christmas is really about.