This Sunday at church, a collection of children will perform a church ritual that has gone on for years. They will act in a Christmas play to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Many churches still honor this important tradition.
Dads will jostle with cameras to capture the moment. Mothers and grandmas will oh and ah. A sense of Christmas rhythm will spread throughout the congregation like the sun rising across a meadow on a cold day.
Kids will have some butterflies. Some will be nervous that they might forget a line or stand in the wrong spot. Little do they know that this is often what makes the whole thing so special. The surprises are what we remember and celebrate. Like the little girl one year who lifted her dress throughout most of the performance. To be clear, the little girl was wearing leotards. Yet the mother was nonetheless horrified while the congregation laughed heartily. Priceless!
Christmas musicals with children are never meant to be perfect because they reflect the nature of Christ’s coming to us. He entered a world filled with our fumbling. He came into our chaos and did something astounding – He accepted us. He gave us a family where we belong. From the cradle to the the cross, He forgave all our imperfections and best intentions. The children remind us about the important maxim from Jesus, “Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God” Matt. 18:3.
Join me in watching the children this Sunday. They have much to teach us about God’s great gift and acceptance of His people.
Brian Boone 
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