A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Pretty little girl who lives close to the church.

Laughing, playing, eating, opening treats, what else could we want for Christmas! It was wild at first, the auditorium was filled with overactive and excited boys and girls from all around the church in Nuevo Progreso. We were having a party!

Our visiting pastor, Brother Oliver, easily brought order to the scrambling bunch and soon had them sitting quietly while he slowly told the old story of the meaning of Christmas. He first asked their names one by one and later questioned them about the story. Many were very familiar with the facts, of Mary and Joseph and their trip to Bethlehem. Even though they were too excited to sit still, they quickly absorbed the meaning and the truth of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ on that very first Christmas day.

Azucena and Dulce served the food.

A table was set up outside the kitchen door where Azucena and her daughter Dulce could get ready to serve the food. Smallest ones first and in an orderly line, they were each served their favorite food - hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, cookies and coolaid! Most of them needed help carrying so much, but before long most of them had found a place to sit. We could see several come back for seconds, so it was a good thing we had more than enough for everyone.

Brother Oliver helped with the hot dogs.

“What would you like on your hot dog?” each one was asked. And many times the answer was, “mayonaise!” In the United States we prefer mustard and sometimes ketchup on our hot dogs, but Mexican children like mayonnaise. Thankfully we had mayonnaise in the kitchen. Even Brother Oliver pitched in and helped serve the crowd of hungry children.

Gifts were given to everyone.

When things settled down again somewhat, we lined everyone up in two lines, boys in one and girls in another, smallest ones first. There were treat bags for everyone containing stuffed animals, trinkets, candy, little cars and trucks, little dolls for the girls and other goodies.  That was an especially fun time, watching their faces as most of them couldn’t resist opening their bag on the spot.

Jesus is the oldest of 10 children in one family near the church.

There were some very pleased children playing together after so much excitement and fun. One family nearest the church has 10 children. Jesus, the oldest, wanted to stay cool, but he definitely enjoyed the activities and the atmosphere that was created at the church. Families like this one are the reason for the church being there on the eastern edge of Nuevo Progreso.

Almost too much excitement for this one.

What did you get for Christmas?

Before the party Lloyd and I stopped at Apolinar’s house and picked up Esteban, Javier and Cynthia. These three little ones came running out of the house crying, “Abuelo! Abuela!” (Grandpa, Grandma!) They readily climbed into our Jeep and were our guests at the Christmas party. We aren’t strangers to them and we are honored to be considered part of their family.

Esteban holding Cynthia before the party. Cynthia is 4 years old.

We drove home across an almost deserted international bridge knowing the party had been a success. For ages the story has been told of the birth of Jesus and there have been countless celebrations of that event all over the world. And now we have told that story once again to a whole new generation.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9