Nativity Play, charcoal and conte sketch

On the fifth day of Christmas…

Today I cried. Twice, actually, and I don’t cry very often.

I cried once out of joy and gratefulness; I cried again out of pain and grief, both times shedding tears over the innocence and beauty of children.

Our preschool nativity play was today.  My precious little boy drew the part of Joseph, and his tiny stature and sweet little self melted me. My baby girl, dressed as an angel, entered with her baby classmates for the final song, and melted my heart even more.

Standing to the side, I was overwhelmed by love for all those kids, teachers and parents.  I was so grateful to be able to be the director of this wonderful school. I was so proud of all of them, and so proud to be a part of it. I felt the tears coming, and my chin quivering, and I cried…so happy, so proud, so thankful.

After school, I learned of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. Impatient to get my own child from elementary school and hold her close and tight, I wept for the families and children involved in that unspeakable event. The outrage, fear, grief and helplessness I feel are palpable. Innocent, precious, happy and vulnerable children…my words are lost.

For the beauty and innocence of children, let us pray
For the joy and wonder of children, let us pray
For the purity and love of children, let us pray

At the end of our Christmas program, the Nativity cast lined up to say their much-practiced lines in the microphone. My little “Joseph,” the smallest of the bunch, shared the closing line standing on tip toes. Let us join with him in sharing this ancient phrase, and live to  make this world a better place:

“And on earth, peace and goodwill toward men”

5 Golden Rings