PLAYING
THE VIRGIN

Topics: Celibacy; Chastity; Christmas; Jesus Christ; Purity

References: Psalm 51:10; Luke 1:26–45; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:3–4; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 13:4

Olivia, five, and her best friend, Claire, were in a nativity play at school. Claire was playing Mary, and Olivia was an angel. Before the show, a young boy went around the dressing room saying, “I’m a sheep; what are you?” Each child responded politely, including Olivia, who proudly declared that she was an angel.

The boy then turned to Claire and repeated the question to her: “I’m a sheep; what are you?”

Claire simply said, “I’m Mary.”

Realizing Claire was a lead character, the boy tried to justify his own role. “It’s hard being a sheep, you know,” he said.

“Yes,” said Claire innocently, “but it’s also hard being a virgin.”

—Jeremy M. Basset, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma