Yesterday was Black Friday, the day that launches the beginning of serious Christmas shopping, when businesses hope to get in the black financially. Paul and I chose to forgo the sales in favor of something far more valuable, a special day with our two great-granddaughters, Brianna and Reyna. Our destination was Derby Dinner Playhouse and the Children's Musical Theatre production of A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas. What fun!
After diving into a sumptuous buffet lunch of mostly "kid food" like corn dogs, chicken nuggets, waffle fries, green beans, and macaroni and cheese, we settled down to watch a musical based on a beloved children's classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. The original book by Margery Williams was published in 1922. It tells the story of a brown velveteen rabbit stuffed with sawdust that is placed in the Christmas stocking of a little boy named Oliver. Even though Oliver receives other toys that are more colorful and sturdy, or have mechanical parts, the velveteen rabbit becomes his favorite. The little rabbit is dearly-loved and handled by Oliver. It goes through may adventures and mishaps, until it loses all its fur and looks quite worn out. That is when the rabbit undergoes a wonderful transformation. It becomes real!
The story of the velveteen rabbit has a clear message, one that is particularly important to remember during the holiday shopping season. Nothing bought in a shopping mall or on the web can compare with the love that we are capable of experiencing among family and friends. As we see in the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, it is the giving and receiving of love that makes us real. We have the life-giving capability to love because our Maker loved us first and gave us the most precious Christmas Gift of all, Jesus. (1John 4:19)
© Laura Allen Nonemaker
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