I wonder how many of you remember the little choir boy candles that were popular many years ago at Christmastime.  When my son was in the Christmas pageant at St. George’s pre-school, he was dressed just like one of those candles—a red cassock, white surplice, a big red tie and red beanie.  All he was missing was a wick coming out of the top of his head.  As a four year old, my son was part of the angelic choir.  The five year olds were in leading roles as animals at the stable, shepherds, wise men and, of course, Mary and Joseph. The pageant ended to strains of Joy to the World as the children processed down the main aisle.  Sitting in a pew, I was anything but joyful.  The pageant had been perfect, more like a Hollywood production than an endeavor by four and five year olds.  Where was child-like spontaneity?  The pageant lacked a heart-warming, humanizing moment.  Ah but redemption comes in many forms!  About half way up the main aisle, five year old Mary wheeled on five year old Joseph, put her hands on her hips and said accusatively, “YOU forgot the baby!”  Startled, Joseph hurried back to the altar, grabbed a doll out of the makeshift manger, and dashed back to Mary.  She pulled the doll away, tucked in the crux of her arm and, queen-like, strove toward the back of the church. Inwardly cheering mightily, I lustily sang out “let heaven and earth rejoice!”  Sometimes imperfection is so much more perfect than perfection!