Over the years I’ve heard many Christmas stories regarding children that touched my heart. One was from my friend Jeanette. She told me about a special Lutheran Tenebrae (Candlelight) Service that she attended with her daughter’s family. Our Lutheran churches can be a bit more formal with our liturgy; beautiful and worshipful though it is. The sanctuary was darkened as the first awe-filled parishioner’s candle was lit. He began to pass the glowing light to the next person in the hushed silence. But no one was filled with more wonder than Jeanette’s toddler grandson! He suddenly burst out singing a joyful “Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus, Happy Birthday to you.” Jeanette didn’t know whether to hush him or hug him. Afterwards, she wished she’d joined him. And do you know what? I wish I’d been there too.
Another story that I love was told to me by my dear friend, Ruth Amos, who went to be with her loving Savior this past year. Ruth was kind of like me, always wanting her Christmas decorations to be a bit better. (I’m famous for having a “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.”) This particular year, she felt she succeeded. She had purchased a “Precious Moment’s Manger Scene” in all its glory. She took special pains as she arranged each lovely piece in what she considered its ideal place, down to the last sweet little lamb.
Even though things were hectic as she prepared for the Christmas festivities, she couldn’t resist going back every so often for a sneak peek. But one time she was aghast! Not one precious piece was left in its perfect place. And the culprit was nearby. It was her five year old Grandson.
“Brandon!” she cried. “You messed up my manger scene.”
“No, Granny,” he said, teary-eyed. “I fixed it.”
As Ruth looked closer, she saw that indeed he had. Each cow, sheep, shepherd, king or angel was in a circle looking at, and adoring, the One in the middle: the Baby Jesus. She grabbed little Brandon up in a tender hug. “It’s perfect, sweetheart. Just perfect.” And it was.
This Christmas time may we join these sweet children in saying, singing and showing the tiny Christ child that we wish Him a joyous “Happy Birthday!”
Even though things were hectic as she prepared for the Christmas festivities, she couldn’t resist going back every so often for a sneak peek. But one time she was aghast! Not one precious piece was left in its perfect place. And the culprit was nearby. It was her five year old Grandson.
“Brandon!” she cried. “You messed up my manger scene.”
“No, Granny,” he said, teary-eyed. “I fixed it.”
As Ruth looked closer, she saw that indeed he had. Each cow, sheep, shepherd, king or angel was in a circle looking at, and adoring, the One in the middle: the Baby Jesus. She grabbed little Brandon up in a tender hug. “It’s perfect, sweetheart. Just perfect.” And it was.
This Christmas time may we join these sweet children in saying, singing and showing the tiny Christ child that we wish Him a joyous “Happy Birthday!”
Little Things
Little things make me happy.
Little things you know.
Little things make me happy
Set my life aglow.
Little Baby Jesus
Come down from above.
Live Baby Jesus
Divine Act of love.
A little smile on his face when I'm near
A little love in his heart is so clear.
Little things make me happy.
Little things you know.
Little things make me happy
Set my life aglow.
(a song Jana wrote when she was little.)
