The man who reinvented the “Holy Hug” for our time, Leo Buscaglia, wrote an article for “Women’s Day” magazine entitled, “The Nativity According To Big Matthew.” Buscaglia was a young teacher, just out of college, when he was assigned to direct the annual Christmas pageant. The play had already been cast by the children themselves. For the role of Joseph, a boy they called “Big Matthew” had been chosen. The children were sure he was perfect for the part, but Buscaglia had his doubts. Big Matthew was the tallest and strongest boy in his class, and also the most hyperactive. After weeks of rehearsal, the time came for the performance. As the final lines of a carol were sung, “Christ, the Savior is born … Christ the Savior is born,” the curtain opened. On the stage, Mary and Joseph were sleeping peacefully on flour sacks. They were surrounded by animals uttering their familiar sounds. Cynthia forgot she was a sheep and was mooing loudly. Paul,…
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