Amy’s pigtails flew backwards like a horse’s braided mane in the wind. She ran hard and fast, not wishing to lose her excitement. She had great news!

As she turned the corner, Amy almost bumped into the mail carrier. Nearly breathless, she squeaked out, “Mr. Tweedy, I’m going to be in the Christmas play!” He smiled warmly, said a few nice words of encouragement, and then moved on to the next house. Amy was already in front of her house when he arrived at the next mailbox.

She bounded up her porch stairs and the screen door slammed behind her. “Amy,” her mom yelled from the laundry room, “what have I told you about slamming the door?”

“Sorry, Mom, but…”

“Young lady, hold up there and catch your breath.”

“Mom,” breath, “I’m going,” breath, “to be in the,” breath, “Christmas play!”

Her mom smiled from ear to ear and congratulated her eight-year-old. “What part are you playing?”

“A shepherd,” Amy replied and finally calmed a little as she thought about her role. “I know it’s not Mary," Amy explained quickly, “but they wanted somebody with long hair for that one. Sally got it this year. I don’t mind ‘cause I know she’ll do good.”

“Well” her mom corrected.

“She’ll do well. Yes, Mom.” They smiled and hugged. “I only wish Daddy was here. Sometimes I get very scared. I know I’m supposed to be a big girl, but…” and she began sobbing quietly.

Mom’s eyes reddened slightly as she remembered her soldier husband. “You know, Amy, he would if he could. But Daddy’s helping the Iraqi children have a better Christmas.”

“I know,” said Amy slowly. Her mom dried Amy’s tears and guided her upstairs. They planned the proper costume for a young shepherdess. There was an old terrycloth bathrobe that could be trimmed to fit. Together they searched and found sandals and then something to create a headpiece.

The little shepherd looked up and smiled proudly as Mom tucked her red braids into the folds of her costume. “Amy, did you know that God is your Heavenly Daddy?” Now she got Amy’s full attention. “God is always watching over you, just like your daddy would if he were here. Remember how the pastor said last week that if we have Jesus in our hearts, we can call God ‘Abba Father.’ ‘Abba’ means ‘daddy.’” Amy didn’t quite understand, but preferred not to admit it.

The next few days were spent learning about shepherds and practicing her part. She had to look at the angel, shrink in fright, then listen as the good news was told. Amy borrowed a stuffed sheep from her neighbor. She practiced holding it as she would do so when going with the other shepherds to Bethlehem.

Finally, the night arrived and the time came for the shepherds to take their places behind the curtain. The other half of the stage was the manger scene and the lights were dimmed. “Mary” and “Joseph” were off stage so people would focus on the shepherds. Mrs. Chan was holding her baby “wrapped in swaddling clothes” and ready to be placed into an oversized, handmade manger.

The curtain rose and the audience silenced. Amy did her best to look very scared when Charlie the angel appeared and almost tripped over his long robe. But when he began speaking, it was God who spoke to Amy’s heart…

The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master." (Luke 2:10-11 MSG)

“Don’t be afraid,” Amy mouthed the words as she ran off stage with the other shepherds.

Soon Mary and Joseph were stabled with the baby, who was quite good this year. The shepherds returned to kneel in awe.

A couple of the littlest angels misbehaved. They were twins and placed one on the right and one on the left of the manger. Lois thought Lora pushed the manger, so she pushed back. Lora returned it and so on. Mary saw what was happening and wisely took the sleeping infant out of the rocking weapon. Charlie was sent in as “head angel” and grabbed each twin by the arm and took them off stage. A few giggles escaped from the audience.

Amy knelt in front of the manger as Mary returned the little one who was still sleeping. Minutes later all parts had been said one way or the other and the final curtain closed. The entire cast bowed to a standing ovation, then rushed off stage to get hot cocoa and cookies.

All except Amy, who parted the curtains and remained in front of the now empty manger. “God, I’m trying not to be afraid, really. But with Daddy gone, it sure is hard. Mom said if I have You in my heart, I can call You Daddy. God, please come into my heart. I know I’ve done bad stuff like lying. Please forgive me.” Amy laid her head on the edge of the cradle and tears ran in abundance. “Please, God, be my Daddy.” And all the excitement of the past few days caught up with the child.

Amy’s mom had been looking all over for her. She frantically pleaded with other parents to help her. They searched the balcony, inside, outside, every nook in the basement and even the kitchen cupboards. Finally, Charlie yelled out, “She’s over here!” and pointed to the nativity set behind the curtains.

There, all curled up where the baby had been was one very tired eight-year-old. Pastor Fisher roused the young girl. “Mom?” Amy looked around sleepily for her mother. As they each hugged each other closely, Amy told them that she now had Jesus in her heart. Pastor clapped his hands and said, “This really is a Merry Christmas! The angels will sing tonight!” Amy didn’t yet understand, but that was okay for now.

All of a sudden the twins and other four-year-olds began to giggle. They whispered among themselves and the giggling increased. “What’s up, Lora? Lois?” their mom inquired.

“Mommy, it’s just like the song! Amy in the Manger” With that, everyone began to laugh. Then with his deep bass voice Pastor Fisher led all in the song, “Away in the manger, no crib for His bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head…”