Last year, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I cut back on nonessential obligations–extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even 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 kindergarten. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he’d been memorizing 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’d 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, 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 quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas”, I didn’t expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment—songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son’s class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red 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 would sing “C is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter C. Then, “H is for Happy,” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, “Christmas Love.”
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we all noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down–totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W”.
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W”.
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 holiday 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: “CHRISTWAS LOVE”
And He still is.
–author unknown
Thank you my heart needed that
That last line brought tears to my ears. I think it is the best Christmas message we can share this season…we need to remind the world that CHRIST WAS LOVE!! and yes He still is, Glory to His Name.
CHRISTMAS Christ Is Made A Savior. I want to share this with All. Just like The “M” turn Up “W” Was and always will be OUR Savior of LOVE. Amen Merry Christmas. Its in The entire Name Be Merry God sent Us ALL A Savior Named JESUS. <
Truly the meaning of Christmas is within us and I believe everyday is Christmas if Love is in our hearts
Thanks much for the testimony and the emails I’m so empowered by the encouragement, I declare many more yrs of your continued ministry, I’m present sowing into other ministries but very soon I will sow into your ministry
Beautiful and so true!
very nice
Amen!
PRAISE GOD!! There are no mistakes with God.He knew what He was doing! Christ is the reason for the season.Let us always remember that.
A neat story!
AMEN.
TRULY DELIGHTFUL AND TOUCHING, THANKS ! FOR GOD’S LOVE AS ENDEARING AND ETERNAL, PRAISE THE LORD,AMEN! WOW, LOVELY MAGICAL SNOW ON THE SCREEN BEAUTIFUL. SUCH LOVE OF GOD YES ALWAYS TO ME
Sweet with the W! And true!
What a beautiful message. Thank you!
This little girl made no mistake for what God assigned her to do. He had a message for everyone.
Beautiful story.