Most clergy are running on raw nerves by Christmas Eve. The bustle of advent activities, community commitments and tending the sick and bereaved all take their toll. People expect the church service to set the mood for all that’s special about their Christmas celebration.
I was more tired than usual one Christmas Eve and still had to make my own long drive to be with my sick mother for one last Christmas.
Into the church stepped five-year-old Christine, radiant with excitement. Intuition told me something big was happening, but I wasn’t sure what it would be.
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The church was packed. Outside, it was cold and dark. Inside, old friends sat shoulder to shoulder with a handful of newcomers to our village. The anthems by the community choir lifted our spirits.
At the conclusion of the service, Christine followed her mom to the piano in front of the pulpit. They sat on the bench, facing my way.
This part of the service had been carefully choreographed. Candles were lit and lights were dimmed as we sangSilent Night.Then Christine’s mom was to playO Holy Night,and it was obvious Christine was going to help her. She had to turn the music page at just the right moment. She had an important responsibility and she absolutely beamed. This was the most important thing that happened to her that Christmas.
Too often we overlook and underestimate what children are willing and capable of doing. As I watched Christine’s face while she waited for the slight nod from her mother, I saw hope and promise and sheer joy burst forth from that tiny face. She had given me the best Christmas present ever.
Joyce Sasse writes for the Canadian Rural Church Network at www.canadian ruralchurch.net.
