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It's that time of year when we are preoccupied with the trappings of Christmas. We're sure you know what we mean; frenetic shopping trips...endless social events... household decorating. Everything is carefully spelled out on numerous lists.
There are lists for food shopping...lists for toy shopping...lists for special presents...lists for Christmas cards...lists for trips...lists, lists, lists.
Then it happens. You are in the middle of a crowded store, and you ask yourself, "What am I doing here? Is this what Christmas is all about, a marathon race for over stimulated shoppers?"
"Why am I doing so much and feeling so lousy?"
It's nuts and we know it, but we can't seem to break out of the pack and build our own culture.
Our suggestion, attend a preschool Christmas play, and carefully watch the children who are on stage. Watch with your ears as well as your eyes. You will see pure joy in their smiles...pure innocence in their behavior...pure integrity in the words they sing and speak.
There is something so refreshingly spontaneous and so magical about a group of preschoolers at Christmas. We know this in very real ways. Recently, we were caught up in the energy field of happiness at the Heart of Valley Christian Preschool, and it was an experience of pure joy.
Children sang, danced, smiled, waved, yelled and some even became whirling dervishes.
Their songs recorded the story of Christ's birthday. Their behavior celebrated the hope that children hold out for all of us. These youngsters did not change the world that morning. They contributed nothing to the GNP or to any retailers bottom line.
They did something that is much more important. They mirrored what the good news is all about. They were giving, caring, joyful, positive and loving little people.
Oren Arnold, novelist, journalist, humorist, once made a list of Christmas gift suggestions. It went like this: to your enemy, forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend your heart; to a customer, service; to all, charity; to every child, a good example; to yourself, respect.
These are the best gifts any Christmas has to offer, and to give them one must model the innocence and goodness we saw at the Heart of Valley Christian Preschool. There, on a bitter cold day, a group of little people stopped the world for a moment so that everyone in the chapel could experience the essence of Christmas.
Dale Evans was right. Christmas is love in action, and our children and grandchildren know how to do it best.
What we experienced on that special morning touched our hearts in very special ways, and we are pleased to share it with you in the Windsor Park Theater. May the goodness you will see in the faces of these children brighten your spirits, lessen your burdens, and give you hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
As with all of our stories, this preview is enhanced by the beautiful music of Carole Lynn Campbell and Greg O'Brien. With their help, we are able to share this Christmas gift with you and your family.
We are also grateful to the members of the Morgan Park High School Concert Chorale, Richard Nunley, Jr., Conductor, for their rendition of Carol Of The Bells. You can see their beautiful Music in the preview entitled, Christmas Music from Morgan Park.
Merry Christmas from all of us in Windsor Park.
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