Our first year out of seminary, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, Paige and I married, and I was appointed associate pastor to a city church. For Christmas Eve service that year Paige, an enchanting story-teller, was asked to tell a treasured old Christmas story—Why the Chimes Rang, by Raymond MacDonald Alden. It is about little Pedro and his younger brother who lived outside the city, and their sacrificial offering for the baby Jesus.
Pedro and his little brother had saved their earning so they could to give a gift to the Christ-child on Christmas Eve. On that special, snowy Christmas Eve Pedro and his brother braved the snow to take a silver coin that they had worked for all year; a gift for the Christ Child. They also hoped to hear the glorious chimes in the ancient cathedral ring on that Christmas Eve. Rumor had it that the most meaningful gift would cause the ancient chimes to ring. The chimes hadn’t rung in ages. They hoped that maybe this Christmas Eve someone would bring that most favored gift and the chimes would ring..
However, on their way, they found an old woman in the snow. Pedro stooped to discover the woman needed more help. Paedro did not want his brother to miss the grand Christmas Eve service; so he sent him on, saying he should take their little silver coin and place it at the altar. Reluctantly, little brother made his way to the crowded church and edged through to the altar.
Paige, had arranged ahead of time for an electronics engineer to set up in the balcony; the chimes would ring at the appropriate moment in the story. Paige told of the wonderful service, then of princes and others bringing their gifts; finally—the King laid his crown on the altar hoping to cause the chimes to ring. Silence. Quietly, Paige spoke on , “…then little brother quietly laid their little silver coin on the altar, and suddenly….” From the balcony of our church, chimes could be heard rising, first quietly, then louder. As the first notes sounded in our quiet sanctuary, Ryan,—a little kindergartner called out—“I hear them! I hear them! I hear the chimes!”
It made Christmas. It made Christmas for everyone present that night. Paige’s sparkling blue eyes filled with joyful tears. Christmas joy often comes in surprising ways. Although the the sound-effects engineer and Paige planned it—they could not have planned that spontaneous burst of joy—from Ryan—and its joyful ripple effect on the congregation.
Echoes of the world make a cacophony of jangled sounds with their overmuch focus buying, sumptuous parties, and laborious schedules. Expectations tend to be as excessive as they are dysfunctional. Maybe we need to allow a little time for spontaneous surprises; the possibility of joy. This Chimes story brings joy to my heart, as it has to many over the years; each retelling brings Joy to our hearts!
©Copyright 2024 Willis H. Moore
Willis that brought tears to me eye. Paige was a fantastic story teller. I know you were very proud of her.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Fondly your friend