"Christmas Love"

I was given this book by my father-in-law Dennis. (He works for Gibbs Smith Publishing). I thought this book was wonderful and I wanted to share it with all!!

Christmas Love, a True store of a Holiday Miracle

by Candy Chand

Each December, I vow to make Christmas a calm and peaceful expericne.

One particular year, despite my good intentions, chaos prevailed. I had cut back on nonessential obligations-extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and yes, even the all-American pasttime: 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 kindergarden that year, It was an exciting season for a six-year-old, filled with hopes, dreams, and laughter. For weeks, he'd been memorzing 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 would 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, just as I promised, on 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 searching for a place to sit.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, one by one, each group rose to perfrom its song.

Because of the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas" I didn't expect anything other than fun, commerical entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and good cheer.

The melodies were amusing, cute, and light-hearted, but nowhere to be found was even the hint of an innocent babe, a manger, or Christ's sacred gift of hope and joy.

So, when my son's class rose to sing "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken back by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were his classmates, all adorned in fuzzy mittens, 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 sang "C is for the Christmas," a child held up the letter "C." Then "H is for the Happy," and on and on, untill the children presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly until, suddently, we noticed her- a small, quiet girl in the front row, holding the letter "M" upside down.

She was unaware that, reversed, her letter "M" appeared as a "W." Fidgeting from side to side, she soon moved entirely away from her mark.

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at the little one's mistake. But in her innocence, she had no idea they were laughing at her as she stood tall, proudly holding her "W."

One can only imagine the difficutly in calming the audience of young, giggling students. 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 holidy 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:

And, I believe, He still is.

I loved the message of this book. I know times are hard right now, expecially with finances. I guess this book showed me what Christmas really is all about. Not the money spent on presents, but the love of Christ that comforts us through times of joy and sorrow and pain.

I love this time of year for the spirit of Christ that we can feel and share the love of his love for us!

Merry Christmas!!