Not So Eager to Share...

Yesterday during my progressive breakfast (I had a series of coffee dates), I was struck by a startling comment. I was meeting with another mom from our boy's school.

She happens to be the chair of the parent council. She works very closely with the principal and staff. She also has linked with me because I oversee the children's ministries at our church which is just around the corner from the school. Her daughter has become regular since last spring (anyway more on that later, that is not the point I am trying to make).

She came to me as a result of other parents going to her complaining that our winter concert is no longer a Christmas concert. She wanted some input, advice, suggestions and support from me. She was looking to rally a group of people together that could do something "Christian" for the school concert or even an assembly.

Last week I attended a morning assembly at the school because Jacob was singing. It happened to be 'Id (the muslim celebration after ramadan, their month of fasting and prayer). During a part of that assembly, there was a group of children in bright coloured formal dress on stage. They were explaining to the rest of us what Ramadan was, what they did, and why they did it. They showed us their velvet prayer mat and sang us a song. Then they told us about Id-al-Fitr ('Id) which is their celebration after fasting. They receive gifts and treats and share in grand meals together. Both Jacob and Joel came home that day with treat bags full of candy and prizes brought in by different kids in their classes. They bounded towards us as we picked them up so excited to have these treats. Being the candy connoisseur that I am , my eyes lit up too! "Oh boy", I said, "what are you doing with that candy?" "Mom, its 'Id!!!!"

Back to my point....I said to this lady that I have no problem with the school highlighting other religions as long as Christianity is one of them. So, why don't we call the principal and see if we can do the same thing, a 5 minute segment that explains the meaning of Chirstmas. What we do and why we do it.

She had a cell phone. We called the principal from Tims'.
We explained why we were meeting and what our plans were. Here is what she said.....

"Anything special that happens in our assembly comes from the student body. When the students (not the staff or parents) come to her, wanting to share or participate she makes every effort to support them. The reason Ramadan/'Id was highlighted was because students came to her wanting to share their celebration with everyone."

Here's the clincher that pierced me that day...

"No one has ever come to me wanting to share about the birth of Jesus!"

Where have we gone wrong? What have we taught our kids? What examples do they see living in us?

Maybe it's time to stop blaming society for squeezing out Christianity. Obviously our influence has not been effective enough.