Kids Nativity big hit at small church
EAST BUTLER — The Nativity story was played out in song and poetry on Sunday by eight children at East Butler Presbyterian Church.
The costumed Mary, Joseph, wise men and angels performed the Christmas pageant during the morning worship service to the delight of the congregation.
The story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem was ably read in poetic form by Elizabeth Hay, 9, who wore a festive red dress for the oration.
Elizabeth's narrative was punctuated by songs from the seven costumed characters positioned by the small church's Christmas tree.
“Deck the Halls,” “Donkey Ears” to the tune of “The Hokey Pokey,” “Mary and Joseph Had a Farm,” “Away in a Manger” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” were among the selections sung by the children.
The pageant ended with the children inviting the congregation to sing along to “Joy to the World,” which the adults did with gusto.
The last number was “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” which the congregation participated in by clapping or waving as instructed by the children.
The Rev. Mary Kitchen, pastor at East Butler Presbyterian, said the congregation always enjoys seeing the youngest members come to the front of the church for children's time each Sunday, so she knew they would be enthusiastic about the Christmas pageant.
“The congregation loves to see the children, especially at Christmas,” Kitchen said.
She said the pageant benefits the children because they learn the story of Jesus' birth anew each year.
“It helps them remember the beautiful Christmas story,” Kitchen said. “It's a timeless story.”
Asked what he thinks the congregation gets out of the pageant, wise man Brogan Finucan, 9, replied “Joy.”He said his favorite part of Christmas is decorating the tree with his family.Elizabeth said it's important to share the Nativity story each year.“People want other people to think about the Jesus story,” she said.Noah Lucarelli, 10, got to hoist a large star on a yardstick at the pertinent time during the pageant, which he felt was a success.“We sang in front of the whole church and God was with us,” Noah said.Noah's sister, Ara, 11, played Mary in the pageant.“It was fun how everyone got to see us and they started taking pictures,” Noah said.Sunday school teacher and congregation member Jennifer Hay, who coordinated the pageant and practiced with her students, was afraid the youngsters would freeze up once they got in front of the congregation.“I was very pleased,” she said of their performance.A candlelight Christmas Eve service will be held at 6 p.m. at the church, which is at 900 Randolph St. All are welcome to attend, Kitchen said.
