Every year, in many churches there is a Christmas pageant. If we are honest, the singing is often questionable, and we get more fun out of spotting the odd happenings than we get out of the singing and acting. And, yet, those of us who are parents [or grandparents] often end up with tears in our eyes.
We end up with tears in our eyes because we identify with the children and grandchildren. We remember a time when we were more innocent. We remember a time when faith was easier. We remember a time when our skepticism had limits and our faith had none. I think we cry because we see what we were. But, we rejoice because it is appropriate that our children grow up, even with all the problems that this will bring them. I must admit that there are times when I wish that I were as innocent as I used to be. However, I do not regret growing up. Mind you, I do miss the body I had when I was 20 years old, but what can I do?
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p align=”justify”>Today was the day of our parish’s Christmas pageant. I found myself getting teary-eyed and having trouble singing a couple of the songs (audience participation) without warbling. Again, I found myself struck with the innocence of the children and the wonder of Christmas. Yes, I know that children are not truly innocent. I guarantee you that after three children I have lost any thought that children are truly innocent. But, they certainly have significantly more innocence left in them than adults. It reminded me that there will come a day when our innocence will be restored. Not a lack of knowledge, as innocence is normally interpreted, but an innocence that proceeds out of no evil thoughts being thought as a result of our knowledge. Someday …
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