I’ve always been fond of Christmas, but even more so because of the events of the story I posted yesterday.
I had a little Nativity set arranged on a low coffee table in the living room for Angel to see. It was the perfect height for a toddler to get a close look at the sheep, the shepherds, the baby, etc. She always seemed entranced at the figures. They were plastic, but she always seemed to look and not touch . . . . well almost always.
One Christmas – when Angel was a toddler, she was looking at her Christmas picture books near the Christmas tree while I was washing dishes in the kitchen. We were in a small apartment, so she wasn’t far away from me. I knew she was looking at her books, so I didn’t pay attention every second.
When the lastof the pots and pans were put away, I went into the living room to read a story to her. She was sitting by the coffee table and something was amiss in the manger.
Joseph and baby Jesus were gone, Mary was on her side in the stable, the shepherds were standing around in a circle, the Nativity angel was amid the shepherds, and my Angel was smiling at me.
Gram: What are you doing, honey?
Angel: Playing.
Gram: Whatcha playing?
Angel: Christmas
Gram: Can I play with you?
Angel: Sure, Mommy!
Gram: What do you want me to do?
Angel: Nothing, Mommy. Shhhhhh.
Gram: (whispering) Why do I have to shhhhh?
Angel: Cuz Mary is tired and taking a nap.
Gram: (still whispering) Okay? Where is Joseph?
Angel: He went to get a job.
Gram: And where is the Baby Jesus, honey?
Angel: He snuck out to play with the sheep guys while his mommy sleeps.
Gram: Why isn’t the angel on the roof?
Angel: Cuz the sheep guys were having a party for the baby.
I learned a lot by just listening.
Christmas in the words of a child . . . not bad advice, really. Find some sheep guys, have a party for the baby, invite the angels and take a nap when you’re tired. It sounds so simple that way.
Too bad Joseph missed out on so much . . . . . (Not THE Joseph. You have to read my previous post to understand.)
