One of the most familiar stories in all the Bible, isn't it? Even the most irreligious among us have memories of shepherds in bathrobes with towels on their heads. Animals...sometimes cardboard, sometimes live and uncontrollable to the delight of everyone in attendance.

There was a Preschool Christmas program at 1st Presbyterian Church, in Winchester, VA a couple of years ago.(1) After the obligatory waves and "Hi Mommy"s, the production began. The angel's sang when they were supposed to. The donkeys brayed "I, the Donkey" when appropriate. The stars were lifted high at the proper time. In other words, all was going according to plan. The story ended without incident. Then the parents were asked to allow the children to ask the blessing before everyone progressed to the fellowship hall fo…