O Come, Little Children…
rang out clearly in the Father Kentenich Hall as the Schoenstatt Movement, along with the engagement of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, sponsored Ten Minutes at the Crib. This event gives families the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their children, who play various roles in the drama of the Holy Family at Bethlehem. In preparation, the event was made known through posters, emails, and facebook, paper stars were cut out, and music was selected. A neighbor woman volunteered, having been asked only the day before, to play the organ for the little orchestra and choir of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, who led the singing.
At 2:00 p.m. families arrived and their children put on costumes that fit for their part of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and kings. The choir sang and sang again since the children weren’t quite ready to begin at 2:20 p.m. Finally, when all were ready, three angels led the way for Mary and Joseph to the manger where Baby Jesus was laid. The Christmas story unfolded with all the characters sharing in the joy of the birth of Jesus our Savior. The angels and kings passed out the paper stars so everyone could write the names of their loved ones upon them and offer them to the little Child in the manger.
All sang Silent Night before being invited to the cafeteria for refreshments of Christmas cookies and something to drink.
For one family this was an experience of joy since their Christmas had been a challenging time. Another family came from over three hours away because they wanted to come again to the shrine one month after they had made their covenant of love. O come, little children… we look forward to offering this event next Christmas.