"Now, as we line up, think about how special it is to get to do this!"
[The class begins walking to the sanctuary]
"My halo itches..." complained one.
"This crown is too tight," retorted another.
"Do we have to stand the whole time?" a third questioned.
This year has marked quite a transition in my career as an educator. Last year I taught 20 children at a Title 1 elementary school. This year I teach 13 at a private, Christian school. This year, my class just so happened to be the Nativity in the school Christmas program. It was especially remarkable for me to watch my students portray the wise men, shepherds, angels, Mary, and Joseph. I felt reflective, thankful, and tearful, even to get to hold the baby doll Jesus for my seven-year-old "Mary" as she waited to go up on stage. This year, I finally get to speak real, Christmas truths to my 2nd graders every morning in preparation for the portrayal of these roles.
As we went through dress rehearsal and I heard the quotations aforementioned above, I couldn't help but continue to think about how relevant their comments are to the story they are telling. It was easy, as their teacher, to go immediately to the place of correction. "Let's not complain! You get to have such a special opportunity this year to be the Nativity!" But, as I thought about it more and more, there was a better more teachable moment to explore.
The day of the performance, as we had our morning devotion in the classroom, I said something like this to my students: "As we were rehearsing yesterday, I heard an awful lot of complaining. A lot of you mentioned how uncomfortable you were in your costumes and how hard it was to stand and wait for so long. I want you to think back to the day that Jesus was born. Do you think that Mary was comfortable? Having a baby in a barn probably wouldn't have been too much fun, right? She was probably scared and nervous, too. What about Joseph? Do you think he was worried about Mary? Do you think he wished there had been a more appropriate place for them to stay that night? Now let's also consider how far the wise men traveled in search of Jesus. I wonder if their feet were hurting? I wonder if they were tired of carrying all of their belongings and the gifts? Lastly, there was our King. He was basically born in a barn and then his first bed was a feeding trough for animals. I bet he was pretty uncomfortable, too. As you get uncomfortable today, remember how true those feelings were for the people you are representing."
I haven't really stopped thinking about this conversation. It is natural for kids to grumble and say things like that in costume but something really special has come from this small moment - an epiphany of sorts. God sent his only Son for us and gave Him up for us - sacrificial, painful love. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable - blinding, fearful trust. Jesus was born and slept his first nights in a manger - humbly, meekly and a totally unexpected entrance for a King. Jesus then was crucified on a cross for our sins - excruciating obedience. All were beyond uncomfortable so that God could fulfill the ultimate love story which begins as, well, Christmas.
We are not called to be Christians to live a life of comfort. We are called to be uncomfortable. We are called to step out and be His hands and feet, his disciples, in exchange for an everlasting, forgiven life.
I pondered this. What does it mean for me? The next time I'm in a hurry at the grocery store, I need to take a millisecond to smile or offer a "Merry Christmas" to a stranger. I need to give financially more often to help others (even if I "can't afford to"). I need be more obedient to the Holy Spirit when I feel pushed to do the right thing in those moments of weakness. I need to give of my time. I need to tell others about Jesus and how much I love Him. None of these discomforts even come close to the pain He felt for us.
I don't know about you, but I have definitely been the one to complain about the itchy, often crooked, halo. I have failed to see that the moments of discomfort in life are the ones where we have the opportunity to shine more brightly for our Lord and Savior. We can be thankful for our itchy halos and too-tight crowns. After all, what a privilege it is to wear them at all.
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
Merriest Christmas,
Lauren
(See also Matthew 28:19)
