Joy To The World

So here it is, Christmas Eve for only a few more minutes. Elliott was asleep by 8PM, presents were all wrapped yesterday, and all of the goodies that had to be baked, are baked. There are no church services tomorrow and just a little bit of food prep... You know, I think we might get to have one of those idyllic family Christmases, after all.

Tonight, we attended a fabulous service at our church. It really couldn't have been more family friendly. I've never had to sit through a service with Elliott before, thanks to the Children's Church ministry, and I was a little nervous that we wouldn't make it. Sure, he's old enough, but he's ELLIOTT. He's a noise and a blur... always touching (his newest thing is patting people's cheeks - whether they like it or not) and always commenting loudly on whatever happens to cross his little mind. Like when we walked into church and Pastor John said "Hi! Merry Christmas" and Elliott replied "WHERE'S MY CROWN? I'M A WISE MAN!" Or like, "THAT GUY IS SINGING TOO LOUD" followed by clapping his hand over his ears. Oh and we were sitting right next to the family of "that guy." Lovely.

Oh but, yes. Elliott got to be a wise man. With a purple crown. Appropriate? Well, I guess all the angel parts were taken ;)

He marched right up there with his present, out of turn (the pastor's wife tried to hold him back, but she was far too gentle and it was to no avail). After plopping his gift of .. myrrh? frankincense? Gold? (not sure!) he marched right. back. down. Which wasn't what he was supposed to do at all. Redirected to return to the stage, he raced frantically past wise man #3, who was attempting to deposit the last gift in its place, and leapt dramatically onto the riser. Then jogged in place on the riser for a bit, before it occurred to him to turn in circles. This, of course, made it irresistible to the 2 1/2 year old wise man, who followed suit. The very mature 3yr old just watched them with wide eyes.

Eventually, they calmed down and held their positions, and were soon released back to their parents, after a chance to peer at the baby Jesus, as he was held safely in Mary's arms. The next half hour was quite fun, listening to a sermon with one ear and "I don't really like church!!" with the other.

At the end, our son got to go up and stand in his place once again while singing Joy to the World with the rest of the children. His "joy" was evident...before the music had even started, he had belted out the first lines to Joy to the World, and after the "real music" had begun, he was running and jumping off the steps by the pulpit, pumping his fist, clapping his hands, and running up to the other kids as if to encourage them to express themselves. The whole time singing. His exuberance was unmatched.

Michael and I stood in the second row in our usual position - hands folded, smiling politely, singing just loud enough to count. The only thing unusual was the stream of tears running down my face.

(From laughter.)

I swear he is our kid.