During the Advent season, I fondly recall sitting curled up on the sofa as a child next to the crackling fire while my mom or dad read us the story of the Nativity. After reading, I remember my sister and me excitedly waiting in anticipation of Jesus’s birth. As a child, reading classical stories always filled me with joy and a sense of adventure. Now, as a teacher, I love storytelling and reading books to my students. Watching their eyes widen with awe and wonder as the story unfolds is a magical experience. Our little ones often have questions and thoughts that make me reflect deeply as well. Recently, in my book group, we have been reading Christmas Around the Fire, and one story, in particular, stood out to me.
Leo Tolstoy, a Russian storyteller, wrote a short story called Papa Panov’s Special Christmas about a poor shoemaker named Papa Panov. He unexpectedly meets Christ through three encounters. Tolstoy’s tale is inspired by Matthew 25:35: “I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
When I read this story, I was struck by Papa Panov’s excitement at the thought of meeting Christ. It made me reflect on how we all carry Christ within us. We receive Christ through the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Confession, and every time we attend Mass and receive the Eucharist. In our class discussions, we encourage our students to respect one another because Christ lives in all of us.
Papa Panov helped those in need with whatever little he had, even though he was unsure if he would miss Jesus. In all three encounters—with a chimney sweeper, a poor woman, and a baby—he meets Christ in unexpected people. Through these moments, he learns the true meaning of Christ’s love and how we can love others in return.
Now that the Advent season is upon us, let us prepare our hearts for Jesus, often found in unexpected places. As our daily lives become busier, challenge yourself to pause and notice the moments around you. In previous years, and again this year, I have had two students remind me of the importance of pausing and praying amid what we might perceive as busy or chaotic times. Take moments to thank God for our blessings and to pray for our loved ones. Look for Christ in each other and strive to love and give your time to those around you. Let us be on the lookout this Advent season for all the ways Christ calls us to love.
AUTHOR: Meg Sano, Early Learning Teacher
