The parts all go together to tell about a baby and no one can tell it better than children. I teach 1st first and second graders and through the years many have added a younger brother or sister to their family. When I acknowledge the addition the next Sunday their introduction is always the same. They hold their hands apart to show us size and they lean over slightly and make a gentle round motion to describe the head. Their voice becomes very quiet and their hand flutters where a slowly rising and falling middle should be for us to know how to pat in just the right way.
When all the pieces go together to tell Luke two, it is most memorable if presented as a pageant by 4 and 5 year olds. Over a once a week meetings through the fall, our church has polished the production to be told with costumes and musical quatrains that are easily memorized . The program is fleshed out with 6 through 10 year old handbellers and proud parents singing a carol to cover changes of groups.
The moment comes when about twenty-six very focused costumed children come on the stage with only a little shuffling to find the post-it note that will mark where they stand. The story begins with the solo by the Donkey who tells of bringing the couple to the Innkeeper who offers them a stable bed. A mike is very carefully passed on to the Red and White Cow who provides a manger and Sheep with Curly Horns whose fur keeps the baby warm. Of course Sheep need Shepherds though one did get distracted by his stand on note and had to sit on the floor for a bit to straighten it out. The Angels sang and my favorite animal, the Camel told with a straight face about having a hump and traveling a-glump. The Star shone in the sky. The very youngest Wise Men wore crowns and held gifts to occupy their hands. Finally a joyful, smiling Mary picked up the baby, and she and Joseph declared they would “care for Jesus.’ All adults stood to join in Silent Night, photos were taken, and memories were stamped indelibly for this year.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:6 – 12
Let Me Tell Ya 