Yes, Harry, this is Christmas

While enjoying our very special annual Christmas Eve custom, a most precious moment occurred. To fully appreciate what happened, one must picture the setting and usual order of events at this service in the village of Warwick. It could easily be a Norman Rockwell painting. Streets and shops are aglow with twinkling lights as evening darkness descends upon the village. Sometimes there’s snow and it’s always cold, with no furnace to warm this lovely old structure. Folks bundled in winter clothing, walk up the steep knoll to the white clapboard building and enter this church known as the Old Baptist Meeting House. Crisp air is ringing with good wishes called to one another as people of all ages from the surrounding area gather together to share an hour that heralds the beginning of Christmas and a reminder of the true meaning, the story of the birth of Christ. We are greeted at the door by a warm and hearty, “Merry Christmas,” and handed a booklet of traditional Christmas carols to guide us while we share in our community sing. Candles glow in the shimmering narrow windows as we take a seat. To our delight this year, we share a pew with friends too seldom seen. As the church fills with joyful, smiling faces there is an undercurrent of excitement because many are anticipating gifts under the tree, or seeing relatives long missed. Others simply love to hear the beautiful story retold once again and raise their voices in shared song. A joyous expectancy fills the air even as our bodies warm it. Adults gently hush their children as the mayor welcomes everyone and the Historical Society is thanked for the use of this beautifully maintained old building. Then another wonderful community member climbs the short, winding staircase to the wineglass pulpit from which he will share the story of the birth of the Christ Child. From the balconies above, and throughout the main floor, all are quietly listening as a strong, resonant, yet gentle voice rings out repeating that beautiful story from a time long, long ago. Next to us, seated on his father’s lap, five-year-old Harry with eyes aglow and watching in rapt attention as the story begins, turns to his dad and in a stage whisper asks, “Daddy, is that God?” Harry, God is always at this beautiful service every year. He is in Mr. Sanford, who shares the story, and in everyone who comes to be renewed by hearing the real meaning of Christmas. He is in the wonderful voices of those who sing to us, and lead all of us in our Hosannas to the Highest. Harry, your innocent voice asks the question, reminding all within hearing why we are here. We sing out with the spirit of the season, ending with the cheerful cries of that age-old song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas!” Filled with glad tidings, everyone files out of the church and watches as Santa arrives on the fire engine, giving children oranges and candy canes. Customs and traditions help make holidays special. Folks in Warwick are especially blessed to be able to share in this simple, lovely Christmas Eve every year. Merry Christmas, everyone. Debbie Cronin is a retired elementary teacher, now enjoying life at home in Warwick with her husband and their two Irish Setters.