The Christmas Pageant
(Argaille A. Di Matteo 12/1/18)
It started like all Pageants-"How do we tell the Story
"A bit differently, creatively about Bethlehem's Glory?
We need some Shepherds, a Mary, Joseph, the Babe and Three Wise Men.
Throw in a Herod and Angel Choirs, some animals and a Manger Scene.
Then wrap the Story in beloved carols, like "First Noel" and "Silent Night".
Set up rehearsals with parents and kids. It should turn out alright!
Add costumes and some scenery. Hope on Pageant Day it snows!
T'would add a special spice to how the kids are starting to "glow".
There's something more than Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, video games.
These new Pageant Cast Members will never be the same.
"What was it like to be Mary, Joseph, or even the Christ Child"?
Some Pageant kids come up and ask when they aren't running wild.
"What was it like to be a Shepherd or Angels way back then?"
"Were the Three Kings who brought those weird, odd gifts, really, really Good Wise Men?"
A Christmas Pageant, before it starts, brings memories back to some,
Of when we too were hustling to get our script lines done!
And when the special costumes, and the crowns of the Three Kings
Were hung up on the hangers, our Childhood hearts did sing.
No matter sheep or angels, or Joseph and Mary Mild,
Our glittering production was all about a Child.
A Child, so very like us, Who grew to be a Man,
God's Son a'walking through this World, Who taught us that we can
Be all the best we can be and spread God's Love around.
For now, the Church is silent. Nobody makes a sound
As this year's Christmas Pageant in candlelight unfolds
And a whole new crop of children tell the Greatest Story Ever told.
Then all of us surround them as "former Pageant Stars"
In the Story of Baby Jesus born beneath the Bethlehem Star.
Then one, by one, as candles light in hushed and prayerful space,
The Story comes to Life again, with God's Love on each face.
