Stealing Christmas

Picture it!  It’s 1957 and Dr. Seuss has just completed what will become one of the most famous Christmas tales of all time!  A TV movie would follow a decade later, followed by a live action film in 2000.  Fast forward to 2018 and we have been blessed with yet another version of the classic tale.  And while each puts their own spin on the story, one thing remains – each and every time – the Grinch STEALS Christmas! 
 
‘Tis the season afterall.  If you really think about it, there’s a lot of “stealing” during the holiday season.  Artists take old Christmas songs and turn them into their own.  Directors take old 50s movies and put their own spin on them.  Administrators take old Christmas poems and turn them into something else entirely…Wait, what?  

‘Twas the practice before Christmas, when all through the school -
Every child was now waiting, the morning, quite cool;
The teachers were waiting in pews they would share -
In hopes that their students would all make it there.
 
The children were ready and standing in back -
With visions of candy-bags and a late, late night snack;
And Tom, in his sweater, with one small little tap, -
Started kids down the aisle, they were there in a snap!
 
When up in the front there arose a small clatter, -
But having practiced before, we knew nothing was the matter.
Away to the backroom kids flew like a flash, -
Threw on their costumes (we have quite the stash).
 
The lights from the trees, how they did twinkle and glow -
Gave the lustre of Christmas to objects below,
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear, -
But a group of small kids, coming forth from the rear,
 
Their teacher was with them, so they weren’t alone, -
We knew in that moment it must be Ms. Moen.
More rapid than eagles her students they came, -
And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
 
"Now, Isaac! now, Benjamin! now, Owen and Chloe! -
On, Ainsley! on Maggie! on, Hollynn and Zoe!
From the top of the steps to way out in the hall! -
They dashed away! dashed away! dashed away all!"
 
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, -
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
The kindergart’ners did come, with lines now to say -
Their grammar and knowledge were on full display.
 
And then, in a twinkling, we heard from the front -
Three wise men, as if on some kind of long hunt.
They’ve been searching for years, following the star -
It would have gone faster if they had a car.
 
They were dressed in fine clothes, from their heads to their feet, -
hoping a new king they would happen to meet;
They soon joined the shepherds, who came from the field, -
and taking their cue, in a stable they kneeled.
 
Their eyes -- how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry! -
Mary looked down in awe, at this babe she did carry!
They spoke of the angels as pretty as could be, -
By the sound of their story, it was quite a sight to see;
 
With the message now sent the kids went back to their pew -
But they knew, with tradition, there were more things to do.
Alumni will come forward, “A Million Stars” now to sing -
(I never got to do this but it’s my new favorite thing.)
 
With the song now complete, some eyes now to dry -
(Makes a person realize just how fast time can fly).
One last tradition, and that’s “Joy to the World” -
Once more to the front, one last prayer is unfurled.
 
Their hard work is now done, it went off with no hitch -
They have but one goal, now for school soon to ditch.
We meet in the gym for some good times and fun, -
But are left a reminder of the miracle once done;
 
They sprang to their cars, to their friends gave a whistle, -
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight, -
Merry Christmas to all!  See you on Christmas Night!”

Please join us on Christmas Eve for Zion Lutheran School’s presentation of “Stealing Christmas” at 7:30 PM.
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