Originally published at Southern Cross
By Ricardo Márquez
I can still remember the Christmas carols that we sang in my home around the manger during my childhood in Venezuela: “Niño lindo ante ti me rindo, Niño lindo eres tú mi Dios …” (Beautiful Child, before You I surrender, Beautiful Child, You are my God …).
When we are children, we don’t question what we are offered; we are like sponges that soak up what’s said, what’s sung, and what’s celebrated in the family. That was my experience; I began to repeat and sing what I heard: “Cantemos, cantemos, Gloria al Salvador …” (Let’s sing, sing, Glory to the Savior).
Those were the first seeds of faith that my parents planted, reinforced by the environment and culture I was born into.
Today, I think that Christmas is the singular, special opportunity for children to begin the path to faith. Sing to Baby Jesus, tell His story, build a manger and teach the first prayers: “Jesusito de mi vida, eres niño como yo, por eso te quiero tanto y te doy mi corazón …” (My precious Baby Jesus, You’re a child like me, that’s why I love You so much and give You my heart …)
Later, as
