“You can’t be the innkeeper,” Shannon, his sister, said. “You’re only in second grade. You have to be in fourth grade to try out for a part.”

“I don’t want to be like everyone in my class again,” Patrick said, shaking his head. “In kinder, we were all lambs. In first grade, we were all angels.”

“What about this year?” Shannon asked, tilting her head.

“The children of the world,” Patrick said. “We’ll give presents to Jesus.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Shannon asked.

“Nothing, I guess,” Patrick said. “But I want to be a star like you.”

“You’ll just have to wait till you’re in fourth grade like me,” Shannon said.

Patrick shook his head. “I want to be the innkeeper now.”

Shannon thought for a moment. Then she said, “You can come to the tryout with me. You can sit and watch if you want.”

Patrick stuck out his lower lip. “Okay,” he said. “But, it won’t be the same as trying out.”

On their way to the church, Patrick’s mind swirled. If only he were in fourth grade. If only he could be the innkeeper. If only he could be a star.

He sighed. It would be so cool, he thought.

At the church, Patrick watched as the bigger kids tried out for parts. One boy became Joseph. A girl became Mary. Someone became the angel. Others became shepherds. Shannon and one boy became the innkeepers.

Patrick’s heart sank. He wanted to be a star, too. He covered his face when the tears fell.

Then a voice said, “We need one more innkeeper. Would you like to try?”

Patrick looked up.

                                             

“Good,” Mr. Michaels said. “Get up there and join the group.”

Patrick beamed.

Mr. Michaels taught the children what to say and do. Patrick did everything right. He was so proud of himself.

When it came to the part for Baby Jesus to be born, Patrick paused for a moment. Being a star in a pageant was pretty cool, he thought. But the real star of Christmas was Baby Jesus!