Every child should have the opportunity to play a part in the Christmas story - Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, sheep, angels, the wisemen, the innkeeper. It’s the story that changed everything. From the beginning of time - Creation - everything pointed to the Cradle - then the Cross and finally one day - ReCreation! But at this time of year - we focus on the Cradle.

When I was in grade three I played the part of Mary in my school - Gladstone Public - in Cornwall. I remember the long blue dress (that my mom made for me), the off-white scarf that wrapped around my head and the sandals for my feet - my costume. I remember singing the carol - Away In a Manger - as a solo. It was a magical evening (as I remember) with all the parents and friends gathered in the school gym. When I held that doll in my arms, I imagined the first Mary - the real Mary - so willing and obedient to be the mother of Christ.

One of the most memorable pageants that I helped organize was held at the Sunbeam Centre in Kitchener, Ontario.” Our Sunbeam Community Living Services (CLS) division offers inclusive living programs including group home living and two overnight respite sites providing the care, accommodation and support needs of children and adults across Waterloo Region.”

I had the special opportunity of working at the Sunbeam Centre in the mid 2000’s. I was the music specialist and events co-ordinator. I broached the idea of putting on the Christmas Pageant with the administrator and she gave me the go-ahead. The day-program children and adults would play the parts….and play those parts they did - with all the earnestness of a Hollywood production. Each participant took their role very seriously.

Joseph stood beside a very solemn Mary - with his arm protectively around her shoulder. Mary sang out in her clear, sweet voice, “What Child Is This?”. The angels were decked out in very white robes and gold halos and said their lines with conviction…..”Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” The shepherds were dressed in housecoats and towels on their heads, staffs in hand….sheep baaing all around. The wisemen and wise women were glorious in satin robes with crowns upon their heads and presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium. Each one performed with grace and great joy. I’ll never forget it.

In December of 2009, my siblings and I made the trip from eastern Ontario to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Sight and Sound Productions to see their Christmas Presentation.

We travelled back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolded all around us. We Journeyed alongside Mary and Joseph, a flock of surprised shepherds, and three wise-men, along with their camels! There may be no room at the inn, but God had a lowly stable prepared as the angels announce the coming of the Messiah! We experienced the MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS as it came to life.

As I watched this live presentation all those years ago, I remember being sadly surprised at how repressed the Jewish people were in those days - how the Romans ruled with an iron fist - and yet, the Jews eagerly awaited the coming Messiah. They never gave up waiting. Another amazing highlight from the show was the scene just after Jesus was born. The stable scene was quiet - the stage lights were on dim - just above the manger a figure in black hovered - the devil - with a sword held high ready to plunge into the newborn baby Jesus. From high above the room - an angel dressed in white - came flying across the ceiling (on a zip line I’m sure) and totally wiped out the dark angel. What a glorious moment.

The last scene in that presentation was majestic and sent shivers up and down my spine. The actor portraying Jesus was seated on a throne and around him was gathered myriads of angels - singing Hallelujah. It seemed the angels were everywhere - hanging from the ceiling - on the floor - on risers - hundreds of them. As they sang, Jesus was raised on a platform until he was high above everyone and everything. It gave me a glimpse of heaven.

And just last week, Harv and I drove up to Owen Sound to the movie theatre to watch - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It featured the Herdmans.

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale -- the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating -- has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year's pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.

Imogene (the oldest sister) plays the part of Mary, She’s rough and tough and fiercely protects her younger siblings…..just the same way she fiercely holds and hugs (and burps) the baby Jesus. The church is absolutely quiet as she tenderly holds the baby Jesus and tears roll down her cheeks. She gets it. She gets Who and why Christ came. For people like her. For people like me.

This year as you hear the carols - listen to the familiar readings from the Bible - see your children or grandchildren share their version of the manger scene - feel the emotions of the meaning of Christmas - let it permeate down deep. Let your life be changed. Take a moment or two or three and let the Babe of Bethlehem renew your heart with peace and joy.