New Believers Of God

CHAPTER TWENTY

On Christmas Eve, my parents and I arrived at St. Margaret Mary's for their eight o' clock mass.

Like every year, the church was very nicely decorated. Two large wreaths hung on each far side, while a life-sized nativity scene sat by the ambo. In front of that was a set of advent candles, three purple and one pink, all of which were lit by then.

When the service began, things initially started the same as usual. We stood up and started singing as Father Stanley walked to the front, which was surrounded with pine trees and poinsettias. He was also wearing a gold vestment instead of his typical green one, and holding a thurible of burning incense, sending smoke all throughout the sanctuary.

"In the name of the father, and to the son, and to the holy spirit." he said, touching his forehead, chest, and shoulders as he did so, which the rest of us repeated in return.

"Amen." we said back.

"The Lord be with you."

"And with your spirit."

"Good evening, everybody."

"Good evening, Father."

"Folks, I welcome all of you on this Christmas Eve." he continued "How important this night is, as it is the night we welcome a savior. How important it is to show our love for the love Christ has given us."

Aside from the slight change in scenery, the service itself was just about the same as any. We went through the typical routines and rituals, the only difference being that they focused on Christmas. However, as the midpoint came, and Father Stanley went to make his sermon, something happened that I was in no way expecting from him.

When he finished his reading, instead of returning to the altar like he usually did, he walked to the very center of the platform.

"At this time, will any children who are willing to please come forward." he said.

Within seconds, kids of all ages were walking over from all directions. Some parents were even bringing their infant babies.

"Go ahead." said my Mom as I stood up myself and joined them.

Once everybody had come, we sat down.

"Okay." Father Stanley told us "Let me ask you this. What makes Christmas magical?"

Multiple kids instantly raised their hands.

"Snow." said a girl.

"Very good." he said back.

"Santa." said a boy.

"Nice job." he said back.

"Peace." said another girl.

"Great choice." he said back.

To my surprise, nobody was saying the one word I had on my mind. It seemed so obvious, and yet somehow was being completely forgotten. That's when I raised my hand, and before long, Father Stanley allowed me to speak.

Love." I said.

He paused for a moment when he heard that, making sure it was right, and gave me a big smile.

"Folks." he announced, "Let's give this young man a round of applause."

Nearly the whole audience rose from their seats and loudly clapped for at least a good minute. I couldn't help but also smile. I had given him the answer he wanted, the answer nobody expected from a kid.

"Now, the most important thing is that we keep Jesus in our hearts. He didn't stay in heaven. He wanted to be with us. He came back as a savior to share his love. So when you go to bed tonight, be sure to keep that in mind. It's not just Santa watching over you. He's watching over you too."

When I reentered my pew, my Dad gave me a pat on the knee, while my Mom leaned over to me.

"You make me proud Cole." she said.

When we returned home, A Charlie Brown Christmas was playing on TV. It had always been my favorite special around this time of year, and just so happened to be right at the part where Linus delivered his famous monologue.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." he said, "And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them. And the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them fear not. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. And saying, glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

Before, whenever this scene would come, I either ignored it or didn't get the meaning of it. I wasn't interested in hearing that kind of history, not when watching a cartoon. But little did I know that this was actually the most important scene of all. Such an ingenious idea, teaching young kids like myself about what made this holiday worth celebrating. Just as I had learned in CCD, it wasn't made to be commercialized, it was made to endure the love of our Lord.

That's what Christmas is really all about.