Of all the church and school Christmas pageants, plays and concerts I've attended over my seventy plus years of living, this week I witnessed the most joyous and moving Nativity presentation of all I've ever experienced. Here's how it happened.
A friend asked me if I could help out at the Christmas party for a group called Faith and Light. I was happy to do what I thought was a favour for a friend and her friends. My role was to play the piano for a Christmas carol sing-song, something I delight in doing; other than that, I hadn't bothered to ask anything much about the group. As it turned out, this organization was founded decades ago for the purpose of providing intellectually and physically challenged adults with the spiritual care, fellowship and fun so many of us simply take for granted. It took just a few minutes for me to realize that I was the one who was most blessed to be there.
At the risk of sounding condescending when that is the last thing I want, I was moved to tears at the warm welcome I received. Waiting for the call to dinner, I chatted with many of the three dozen or so people there. Challenged or not, these folks know how to smile, to sing, to display impeccable table manners and to respond to the invitation to role play.
"Who wants to be Mary?" a leader asked. No shortage of volunteers for that part…or for the portrayal of Joseph, wise men, angels or shepherds. Draped in blankets, crowned with foil-covered tiaras and adorned with smiles, they brought new life to a centuries old story. And, you should have heard them singing!
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6)
Thank you Faith and Light for bringing Christmas praises to life.
