It is the wide eyed wonder of children, and the belief in all-things-possible that makes Christmas so magical. The excitement of a Santa Claus parade, the beauty of a fully lit Christmas tree, Christmas candies, cookies and wonderful food to eat, a mountain of presents under the tree, singing “Away in a Manger” and “Jingle Bells”, and their inability to sleep on Christmas Eve.

In addition, I am always brought to tears when I hear children tell the “Christmas Story” – the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. They love the stories of the shepherds, the angels, the magi, Joseph and Mary, Jesus in a manger, the cattle and barn animals, the evil King Herod, the hard hearted inn keeper, and the Star. Sometimes the facts (What are the facts of the story anyways?) are different, but the power of the story is not lost on children.

The children of Carleton Memorial United Church invite you to come to church on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. where they will tell a part of the story and the symbols and actions of the Jesse Tree, which tells the story. Come and celebrate. Come and hear.

A week from now it will be Christmas Eve. There will be a wonderful service at 7:00 p.m. December 24th. Come and remind yourself how wonderful the story really is. Come and be a child once again.

Peace and blessings to you all,

Rev. Boyd