Christmas Carol

There is something you should know. I love Charles Dicken's book The Christmas Carol. I love the play even more! It was a family Christmas tradition to go see Hale Center Theatre's version for multiple years, and then sadly - it suddenly faded away.

When I married my husband, I got a wealth of blessings in his friendships. One of whom is Eric. Eric has known Jaren for his entire life - you should ask Jaren about the story - it's quite Halmark movie-ish. Anyhow, Eric is a Thespian (love that word) - and has been an Actor at Hale Center Theatre for... well... forever. For the past two years Eric has played the role of Jacob Marley (you remember- Scrooge's dead as a door nail business partner). Last year, Jaren and I got sick the night of our tickets - and we didn't get to see it. This year - Joy of Joys - we weren't sick and got to go!

Eric was amazing. Clarissa - his wife, was also in the play and was amazing as well.

I won't get into all of their parts they had to play - but suffice it to say - it's incredible that they can remember so many lines, songs, directions, etc.

The play last night really got me thinking - why do I love this so much? I've seen it well over a dozen times in my life, and still - I can not wait to see it each year.

Last night as the chorus group was singing Silent Night, I was moved by the Spirit. The proclamation of Christ as our Savior accompanied by a story of repentance, humility, and re-birth... this is Christmas for me! It's a beautiful and touching reminder of what the Savior is, and has done for me.

Jaren has been saying a lot lately that he wants to make this Christmas what it was like when he was a kid. He wanted that Christmas feeling that was inescapable as a child. As I watched Scrooge jump around after he realized that all was not lost - and that there was still time to change... I was taken back to my living room as a child - listening to my Dad and Mom read me Luke 2. The Christmas Spirit wet my eyes, and my heart was full.

I also want to say that for those that know Clarissa and her family's story - the play was even more touching. To see her play the role of a sister that loses tiny Tim - and to watch the role once played by her father of Mr. Cratchet... I was humbled. She continues to find hope in this world, and it was ... well I'm not sure what the word is that I'm looking for here. Hmmm... I think I'm still going with "humbling." My heart again mourned for her family and their loss, and prayed for continued peace for them.

In the end - I am so grateful for friends that share their talents with us, and for the blessing it was to feel so close to my Savior.