Are You Looking For Christmas? Look For The Children.
I've said it before, but it's one of those declarations that never loses steam. If you're looking to be overcome by the true spirit of Christmas, find yourself a local Christmas play or musical performed by children. We did just that last night when we attended the John M. Gandy Elementary School's winter play - This Old Gingerbread House. Our Elliott was one of many young performers.
One of my favorite parts about Christmas is that the very nature of the season seems to promote unity. For at least a few weeks, whatever instincts we have to see the worst in one another are temporarily disabled by the mere presence of Christmas trees and Frosty the Snowman. This year, though, Christmas has had its hands full. Try as it might, it's having a hard time untangling us from our infighting and international fighting and what just feels like an addiction to fighting. Here I thought untangling my boxed-up spools of Christmas lights was a challenge. As Elliott and his Gandy classmates took the stage last night, I immediately noticed something missing. Division. All of the children, every color and size, seemed overjoyed by the chance to be with one another. Every tangled arm was locked together in acceptance, sealed tight by the true meaning of Christmas. The plot of the play was as powerful as it was simple. A few of the children had eaten Hansel and Gretel's old gingerbread house, leaving them without a home. The children began to feel bad about it, so they built them a new one. The play was filled with remorse and making things right. Like I said, simple concept. But isn't it always powerful when we see that concept come to life. At one point in the play the whole class sang a song that included the lyrics: "everyone deserves a home, everyone deserves a place to belong." I found hope in listening to children who truly believed those words as much as they enjoyed singing them, who've yet to discover a reason to deny people what they deserve. My heart broke with the realization we are not all children. I do believe if Jesus were to make an appearance this year to join us in the celebration of his birthday, he'd hang with the children. Not because they're more fun - even though there's no doubt they are - but because they - more than us -they get Him.
All of the children, every color and size, seemed overjoyed by the chance to be with one another.
I was shocked to learn Elliott would be dancing in the performance. But dance he did.
Everyone deserves a home. Everyone deserves a place to belong.
CREDIT: All pictures in this post provided by Katie Cartwright
You can read previous entries from this 2015 Christmas series by following the links below:
Christmas 2015 - December 1 Christmas 2015 - December 2 Christmas 2015 - December 3 ​Christmas 2015 - December 4 Christmas 2015 - December 5 Christmas 2015 - December 6 Christmas 2015 - December 7 Christmas 2015 - December 8 Christmas 2015 - December 9 Christmas 2015 - December 10
2 Comments
Holly Santasiere
12/11/2015 11:16:13 pm
Wasn't the play wonderful?! I was particularly choked up by the song you mentioned above. It made me think hard what my homeless student might be thinking about the lyrics she was singing.
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Keith Cartwright
12/12/2015 04:28:28 am
The play was awesome Holly. I know that song had to hit you. As a society we don't often enough put ourselves in the shoes of those who need us the most. Thanks for your comment. I hope you're having a very, merry Christmas season.
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