There was a sense of excitement in the assembly hall of St. Winifred's Infant School, on that first Monday morning, after the November half-term holiday. All the children were sitting cross-legged in their class rows, waiting for Mrs. Leggett, the Head Teacher to arrive. They knew this assembly was very important. It was when they would hear about the Christmas Concert. They would find out soon, who would be given which part. Everyone knew which part they wanted, but you couldn't have thirty Marys or fifty Kings, could you? Even the teachers were tense. They knew how much work would need to be done. Every year it was a hectic time.
A sudden hush came over the hall as Mrs. Leggett came to the front. 'Welcome back children, I hope you all had a good holiday,' said Mrs. Leggett. 'Now we have to think about our Christmas Concert, what carols we will sing and who will take the speaking parts. All of you will have something special to do during the concert, so I am expecting you all to do your very best.'
There was a murmur heard around the hall as the children spoke their hopes to each other.
'Hush now, let's sing our hymn and when you get back to your classes I'm sure your teachers will talk some more about the concert.'
Soon the children were leading out from the hall, in their class lines, and making their way back to their classrooms. Class 4, the oldest children in the Infants School, made their way back to the furthest room from the hall. They knew the main speaking parts would be chosen from their class.
They quickly settled down on the carpet in front of Miss Snowdon, their teacher.
'Well children what a lot we need to think and talk about. I think we should go through the Christmas story and make a list of the people we need, as we go.'
'David, why don't you come and sit here and you can write the names on the white board.'
David, one of the tallest boys in the class, moved next to Miss Snowdon. He felt very important, he knew he was a good reader and a neat writer. As Miss Snowdon told the Christmas story, David's list of names grew longer and longer. He already had in his mind the part he wanted to play. A King, beautifully robed, wearing a crown and carrying a rich present.
Soon the story was finished and there was a quiet pause as the children took in what they had heard.
'I had a new doll for my birthday last week,' piped up Catherine, 'We could use it for the baby Jesus, couldn't we?'
'That would be lovely Catherine,' Miss Snowdon replied, 'So that's organised. Now let's look at your list David.'
David handed over the white board, and slowly Miss Snowdon filled in the names of children against the parts needed. Children from the younger classes would be picked for angels, stars, shepherd boys or page boys. Mary and Joseph were chosen, as were the older shepherds. David's heart sank as three of his friends were chosen to be Kings. What part would he be given? Perhaps he would be one of the visitors from other countries, they had to learn their words very carefully.
Suddenly David heard his name. 'Yes, you should be the Angel Gabriel David. You are the tallest and will be able to be seen clearly even when you are at the back.' Miss Snowdon was looking at him and smiling, 'It's quite a lot to say, but I know you'll manage it very well.'
David's heart sank again. An Angel! He had to be an Angel! Even his mother never called him an angel! What were his friends going to think? He quickly looked around, a few smiles but no-one was laughing or pulling a face.
Soon it was playtime and everyone rushed out into the playground. The boys were too intent on kicking a ball around to discuss concert parts.
When he got home that afternoon and told his mother the news, she gave a slight smile, 'I'll be so proud of you David, well done. I'll look out some white material for your costume and Daddy will make your wings.'
'Wings!' said David. He thought things couldn't get any worse.
As the weeks passed the children of St. Winifred's Infant School gradually learnt their parts and the carols they would sing. Scenery and costumes were being made and stored. Everyone was busy. Lessons were being geared towards Christmas. Programmes and tickets were being printed.
Suddenly it was the day of the dress rehearsal. Several of the mothers had come to help the children change, David's mother was one of them. She had made David a gown of white satin material that glimmered as he moved; his father had made him silvery wings which were attached to his arms and spread as he lifted his hands. Really impressive. David felt quite pleased at how he looked. He felt proud and ready to play his part.
Just then he noticed Miss Snowdon coming towards him. She was carrying a wire frame topped by a shining silver circle.
'Here we are David, the final part of your costume,' she said.
Oh no! A halo! David gulped. He took a deep breath.
'Do I have to wear the halo? Couldn't I wear the crown I made instead?' he looked at her pleadingly.
'But you're an Angel, not a King.'
'Yes but I'm the chief of the Angels, aren't I? Like their King? My crown is silver. Please can't I wear it rather than the halo?'
On the afternoon of the concert, the audience were amazed to see on stage, a tall Angel Gabriel with a silver crown encircled by a shining silver halo.