The tiny church was a bit shabby. Perhaps the paint would be refreshed during
the verdant green months of summer.
Perhaps the cracked and crazed varnish on the tall vestibule doors would
be carefully sanded and varnished accompanied by the drone and whine of fat
summer flies.
In the early evening hours of this particular glitter-filled winter night, the shabbiness was
forgotten. Nestled beneath a canopy of
ancient bare winter branches, the simple architecture and arched windows gilded
the snow covered lawn with warm golden light and welcomed all.
The small vestibule was cluttered with nervous children.
Tonight was the children’s Christmas program. We had been prompting, cajoling and
practicing with squirmy children for weeks.
Tonight the congregation had gathered to enjoy our hard work and effort.
My friend, Connie, and I had created the little program
together.
She, the costumer and teacher of lines.
Me, the writer of music and lyrics.
Our grand finale involved 25 little children dressed in
white robes with wings walking up the church aisle in song.
The children were carrying little candles imbedded in small
aluminum pie pans to catch the drips.
Twenty-five years ago with extremely limited budgets, the robes
were hand made from sheets and the wings fashioned of glittered construction
paper. Pipe cleaner halos fought to
escape their confinement of dozens of hair pins on each small head.
Seated with my guitar on the altar, I remember catching my
breath when Connie turned most of the church lights off.
The glow from the candles flickered from the vestibule.
I strummed the opening chord and a little stream of
innocence marched two by two up the stone aisle toward the altar.
All the little eyes were intent and serious…on the
flickering candles, on remembering the words to the song...
They walked carefully.
And we sang.
Oh, how we sang.
Our word echoed through the arches of the church.
The congregation held their breath.
And when the last note fell away I realized I had seen
something as close to heaven as I could imagine.
Innocence.
Music.
Love.
Joy.
It was a beautiful Christmas program.
I wish you could have seen it.
A few days ago I dusted off my guitar and dug out the music
from this program.
It’s been a long time since I’ve played.
My fingertips hurt tonight.
And I'm pretty sure my guitar isn't quite in tune.
I have a cold.
But I was determined to share this Christmas song with you.
Alas, I am technically challenged.
Instead of sharing the music all I can share is some of the lyrics:
My candle is shining so bright so bright
On all who gather here.
My candle is shining tonight, tonight
To show that Christmas is near.
See the baby Jesus.
Sleeping soft and sweet.
Mary and Joseph gather around
With angels at their feet.
My candle is shining so bright so bright
On all who gather here.
My candle is shining tonight, tonight
To show that Christmas is near
Say a prayer inside your heart
For peace and love tonight
And I will share my Christmas songs
I will share my light.
Thank you for all the blessings you have given me by
your many kindnesses.
Dear friends.
Merry Christmas.
May your candles shine brightly this day and every day.
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