Gold, Frankincense, Cupcake
Recently, we invited the neighborhood children and their families over to the convent for milk and cookies…a tiny little Christmas celebration, and more importantly for them…finally a chance to cross into the realm of the unknown…a chance to get into that mysterious convent! The house was arrayed in lights and ornaments, topped with the fragrance of a giant plate of chocolate chip cookies… the “kid-approved” centerpiece adorning our table. They scurried through the door, at first, almost tip-toeing…trying to tread softly in this unknown territory. Before long, they were making faces at their reflections in the Christmas balls on the tree and circling the chairs in the dining room during a highly competitive game of musical chairs.
Amidst the laughter and the games, we had time to steal a few moments to share the Christmas story with our tiny friends. One little boy skipped over to the nativity scene.
One of the Sisters pointed to the three kings asking, “Who are they?”
“Kings,” he replied.
Sister followed up with a second question: “And, what do they have in their hands?”
As he eyed the three golden objects, he took some time to ponder. After a brief pause, he erupted, “A cupcake, two candles…little ones ‘cause he’s little, and a cup with a bell on top.”
Well, that was quite a unique interpretation, but I had to agree with him. One of the gifts certainly did look like a cupcake. He was quite pleased with himself, interiorly doing a touchdown dance, or, more appropriately for our neighborhood, running through the soccer field of his mind screaming, “¡Gooooaal!” He nailed the response! And, there it was- that bright look on his face…WONDER.
During this time, we celebrate the Epiphany with the whimsical melody of “We Three Kings” echoing in churches around the country. “Star of wonder, star of night. Star with royal beauty bright.” When was the last time that we let ourselves experience pure wonder, pure child-like wonder at the mysteries of our rich faith? How can it be that we have a God that loves each of us so personally and so intimately? How can it be that He made Himself vulnerable, a tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes…for us? How can it be that the Magi came, and “overwhelmed with joy” (Matthew 2:10), knelt down and rendered homage to this Infant King? In this period of “recovery” from the busy Christmas celebrations and returning to the ins and outs of daily life, have you taken time to quiet your heart and WONDER…to wonder that all of this took place for LOVE? Thank you little child for reminding me what it is to wonder. Thank you for nourishing my soul with a cupcake and illuminating my heart with candles… two little ones that fit perfectly inside. I’m not sure what God has planned for the cup with a bell on top, but until I find out, I sit patiently- watching and waiting in WONDER.
