J.R. LABBE Knee-biters and the Nativity

"Karen, a nail is sticking out of the side of the manger. We don't want to impale one of the sheep."
The final dress rehearsal for "What Do You See?" this year's Christmas program, revealed a crush of last-minute fixes that remained before the church's young folk would be safely transformed into angels and stars, wise men and donkeys, Mary and Joseph.
Two of the three kings were swallowed up by their robes, necessitating some hurried tailoring with basting tape and safety pins.
In response to a question about the wisdom of ironing the costumes -- "Wouldn't the wrinkled look be more authentic?" -- the director was adamant.
"Last year the kids were so rumpled and messy," Leslie said. "I told myself then that no matter what else happened this year, those kids would look neat!"
Spoken like a true Lutheran.
Run-through time, and the program is rough. Missing performers and missed cues lead to frustration and a controlled panic on the part of the grown-ups.
The real deal is a day away. Please, my dears, pay attention to the people who go on before you. Yes, we know you're hungry and bored. We promise, one more time and then it's crafts and pizza.
"Shouldn't we be putting our gifts in front of the Baby Jesus?" asks one of the wise men, whose grasp of the Bible at that moment is stronger than that of the adult volunteers who are focused on song cues and character lineups.
Why, yes -- yes, you should. Excellent suggestion, Tyler.
Mary, you're in first, followed by the angel Gabriel. Mike, don't forget to turn your body toward the sanctuary so the people can hear you tell Rebecca (Mary) not to be afraid.
Donkey, start down the aisle while the youth choir sings "Little Gray Donkey Tonight." And not too fast, Kendall. Time it so you reach Mary and the manger when the song ends.
Joseph, you're next, and remember not to tug too hard on Donkey's rope as you lead him and Mary out.
Not the donkey
Innkeeper, make sure you are at the altar by the time Ryan says his line. And yes, John, we know that "I see woolly sheep, soft and cuddly," isn't exactly a macho line for a guy in high school, but look at it this way: You're not the donkey.
Woolly sheep -- could anything be cuter than preschoolers baa-baaing their way to the front of a church? Can't think of it at the moment.
Shepherd, you're up. Please, James, watch the crook when you walk down the aisle. There will be people in those pews in the morning, and they won't appreciate a love tap with a metal pole.
Angels, remember you're God's messengers. Chelsea and Rebekah, try to keep your dignity even when those halos start slipping.
Will the congregation be able to hear Ariel's solo as the four stars circle the sanctuary?
Bless her heart, she holds her head up so high when she sings that even the body microphone doesn't pick up her sweet voice. Honey, you're going to have to hold the mike to your mouth when you sing. Yes, we know it's a lot to ask -- walking, singing and holding a star on a stick -- but we have faith in you.
And Jessie, sweetheart, when it's time for your line, lean over and talk into Ariel's microphone so everyone can hear the Baby Jesus speak to God's children.
An additional star to shine in the Sunday morning firmament sends the director scurrying to the supply closet. Yes, we have another cardboard cutout already strung with lights, but does anyone have a couple of C batteries?
No worries, says one of the dads. I'll run to the store while you get the kids in costumes.
And then, as has happened so many times in so many churches during so many Christmas pageants, everything comes together.
Story of the miracle
The musicians, the singers, the Scripture readers and the actors flawlessly present the story of the miracle birth of the baby who is Son of God and Son of Man.
The tears in the adults' eyes Sunday morning weren't just because they saw the promise of tomorrow in their children and grandchildren, but because they heard the promise of life eternal in the age-old message.
X Jill "J.R." Labbe is a senior editorial writer and columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services