This year’s Christmas Eve Family service was celebrated with the Christmas pageant acted out by the children and youth of the church – but with a bit of a twist. The announcement of the birth of Christ by the star was heard by animals far and near who made the trip to the manger. We heard from lions (played by our middle school youth), sheep (played by our elementary youth with help from high schoolers), butterflies who became caterpillars (played by our preschoolers), and even the kings (played by the J2A youth). But the star of the show was the Bethlehem Turtle. The turtle was worried he would miss out on the event because he was SOOOO SLOW!! But as Mary and Joseph and donkey arrived on the scene, everyone found out that there is always room at the manger for all creatures.
Many of our adults helped the production be a great success. The musical was written by Deborah Carr and directed by Rev. Anna Noon. Special thanks to all the parents and friends who made costumes, taught the songs and attended rehearsals!
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, February 2013.