Conversation

The Place: Our swagger wagon
The Scene: Driving around to look at lights

Bennett: Happy Hanukkah, Mom!
Me: Thanks, Bennett. But you don't really need to say that to me.
Bennett: Why? Are those not nice words?
Me: Oh, no. They are very nice words. But we say Merry Christmas in our family.
Bennett: But it's the season of Christmas! We have to say Happy Hanukkah!
Me: Sure. That's a wonderful thing to say, but I like it when you tell me Merry Christmas.
Bennett: Why?
Me: (taking a deep breath) Well, we tell our Jewish friends Happy Hanukkah.
Bennett: Who is Jewish?
Me: Mrs. Lori is Jewish so it would be nice to say Happy Hanukkah to her.
Bennett: But I WANT to say it to you!!!
Me: You are more than welcome to say it to me, but I like Merry Christmas better.
Bennett: WHY?
Me: Because I believe in Jesus.
Bennett: MRS. LORI DOESN'T BELIEVE IN JESUS???
Me: Well, if you are Jewish you believe in God, but not Jesus. However, we are Christians so we believe in Jesus.
Bennett: (starting to get hysterical) So we don't believe IN GOD?????
Me: Oh, yes, honey. We believe in both. We believe they are one in the same.
Bennett: BUT GOD IS JESUS' DADDY! WE DON'T BELIEVE JESUS HAS A DADDY?
Will: (piping up from his car seat) YESH WE DO BEWEEVE IN GOD!
**Both children are now crying**
Me: Ummm.... hey look at those lights! Pretty reindeer! Stop crying! Anyone want a piece of candy? (Muffled sounds of sobs from the back seat) Ummm.... Chick-fil-A anyone?