Zion Nursery School Students Bring New Light to the Christmas Story

During the Zion Nursery School 3-yr-old Class Christmas program, “One Night in Bethlehem,” the audience was asked to imagine what it would have been like to be in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.  All the traditional characters of the Christmas story were played by the children: Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Star and Wise Men.  Also included were the animals that may have been present at the manger: a cow and a sheep. 
After each of the characters was introduced in the story, the actor “traveled” around the group ending up at the manger where he or she knelt in an attitude of prayer. Throughout the program, we sang Christmas songs and carols that related to the characters in the story.   

The final character in the Nursery School program was not a traditional one.  Mrs. Fry asked the question, “What if St. Nick was in Bethlehem that night?” At that point, the child dressed as “Santa Claus” came to the manger carrying a gift which he placed beside the manger as he knelt down in adoration and prayer.  The program ended with “Silent Night.” 

It was such a joy to see the reactions of the large group of parents, grandparents and siblings that had come for the program.  Even more wonderful was the message that the children and their teachers brought as their Christmas witness.  Jesus is the true and only reason for the season!  The commercial powers of Santa Claus are worthless in comparison to the treasure of the “Word made flesh.”   “O Come Let us Adore Him!”