Each year I look forward to the annual Christmas pageant sponsored by the Unitarian, Congregational, and Catholic churches and open to people of all faiths. This has come to be the singular event each year that puts me in the Christmas spirit.
The pageant tells the story of the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago in a simple and poignant way. The children of Harvard portray roles from sheep to shepherd, baby Jesus to kings, accompanied by music, dance, and choral arrangements performed by children of all ages. It is truly lovely, sweet, and inspiring.
The high point for me has always been the candlelit performance of “Silent Night” by the choir as it exits the church at the conclusion of the performance. This is a very special moment, though this year something even more special happened.
Just before the performance began, as our family took our seats, we were joined by our neighbor, a student at Bromfield, and her friend who needed some help getting to the event. The girls took their seats and sat silently during the performance, soaking in the sights and sounds of the community coming together in peace and joy. When it was time to go, our neighbor assisted her friend as they slowly exited into the gathering twilight.
At that moment I realized that I had witnessed the true meaning of Christmas in that act of kindness. A teenage girl had done something unselfish and kind for a friend in need. It was simple and powerful.
It’s the small things in life that you remember, and I know this will be one of them.
You see, our neighbor, like Jesus of Nazareth, is Jewish.
Leo Blair
Prospect Hill Road
