Village of Pinecrest Aventura Mkt Council

Please allow me to share with you the wonder of a Kindergarten Christmas Pageant. Let me set the scene: the sun has broken through the clouds, the showers have subsided, and the church at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School is full of enthusiastic parents humming with soft verbal excitement.

Some of the participants in the Kindergarten Christmas Pagent at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School.

Grandmothers are my favorite people to sereptiously observe. I marvel at their unconditional love, their ooohs and aaahs mixed with soft "hay que lindas" and I know that seeing them would put a tear in the eye and a flutter in the heart of even the most surly and pessimistic man.

The soft refrains of "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me" begin to sound from the back of the church. The price I feel as I watch my 24th Kindergarten class process at Christmas time is almost more than a body can endure. I know, I know, you are thinking it's just an estrogen surge. But, take heart dear reader and imagine that watching this procession makes my life take on value and meaning. The highest spike in the New York Stock Exchange did not make the daddies I observed from my concealed perch behind the alter swell with more wonder and pride. Their progeny, their 'git-to- tomorrow' was coming down center aisle.

"Let there be peace on earth...a peace that was meant to be" the delicate voices sing. First come the angels, with real honest and true feathers on their wings. "With God as our Father, brothers all are we..." Then come the shepherds with baby lambs and sturdy canes. Cameras flash and children feel loved.

Next the Mariachis with their brightly colored sombreros who will soon be

stars of the show singing "Ay Del Chiquirri." They walk with pride and awesome wonder in their eyes. "Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony."

Sugar plum fairies literally float in their fluffy tulle and pink leather slippers. Pointed toes and blushing cheeks... "Let peace begin with me ... Let this be the moment now..."

Three "Penny in the Hat" boys walk with Presidential pride in black satin top hats and one grandfather cries quietly into his handkerchief while grandmother pats his back in loving consolation. When this grandfather left his family in Cuba at the age of 11 and flew on the now famous Peter Pan flight to freedom, he never dreamed that he would someday see his grandson, his legacy in a black satin top hat taking center stage.

"With every step I take let this be my solemn vow." There are gifts, the Christmas elves, some children representing the celebration of Hanukkah. "To take each moment... and live each moment... in peace eternally."

The audience pauses in respect of the three wisemen. Then with a hush Mary and Joseph walk with a solemnity appropriate of the occasion, holding Baby Jesus.

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

As the show draws to an end, I am reminded that we are indeed the world's most fortunate, the Children of Paradise. My we fill each other with hope and strength. May we also fill each other with love and a commitment to leave a legacy of greatness for the generations that follow.

God bless us, every one.

Sue Nichols, born and raised in Miami-Dade County, is a teacher at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, and has 24 years experience with kindergarten classrooms.