Merry Christmas

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.