Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

Long time ago, when we were kids "training" for Christmas show, we almost didn't have 'nuf kids to make the show a go! The church was small, 'bout 'leven kids, they all wanted a part. Teacher, Ms. Kay, assigned the roles; she had a caring heart.

One gal, Mary, had her robe stuffed; actors were all pre-teens! Joseph would lead stick-horse donkey - now that was quite a scene! Came to an inn, asked for a room, innkeeper said, "Not here!" But pointed back behind the inn, "The stable is quite near. Most all is clean, a manger's there and it has nice fresh hay. I see that you are in great need, your Babe in there can lay."   So - in our play, we'd need a babe, "Beth" lent her new-born son. Wee Mike slept through the noise we made, just watching him was fun.

The curtain closed, quick change of scene - three shepherds and their sheep! The artwork was just marvelous, sheep never made a peep! And then - surprise! An angel[1] came, gave tidings of great Joy, told of a birth in Bethlehem, "Christ Child is born - great Joy!"

More angels came; Allie and Vi - each draped in a white sheet! You should have heard those angels sing - they didn't miss a beat!

Two sang duet: 'Angels on High'; Silent Night, Holy Night, church family sang along with them, that was a special night!

Jesus was two when wise men came, guided by perfect light. Small Billy Bob aimed a spot-light to "star" and turned it bright! Three wise men came, each on stick horse, their fake heads tied with string.

Angels came back and sang again, 'bout "Orients' Three Kings."

That was the play that Christmas time; all sang and praised the Lord. It was a special time for us; 'cause Heaven's our reward!

Love, Mara