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| Sun, Nov. 08 - - Mobile - RSS | |
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Original Christmas celebrated
Churches hold Christmas Eve servicesDate published: 12/25/2008 BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE In 2,000 years, the story of Mary, Joseph, the crowded inn and the wise men has been told countless times. And yet, thousands flocked to area churches last night to hear it one more time--listening to the familiar tale presented in sermon, in song and in action. Many saw the story in Christmas pageants--traditional Nativity plays performed by children. Jill Bates directed one such production for the 10th year at Christ Episcopal Church in Spotsylvania County. As the children donned tinsel halos, feathered wings and thin cotton robes, Bates told them, "There may be somebody in the congregation tonight who has never heard the story of Jesus before. And that's our job: to tell them." True, there may have been a few worshippers last night completely unfamiliar with the tale of Mary giving birth in a stable. But chances are, most who came to area Christmas Eve services could probably recite the story--found in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke--by heart. So why keep coming back for more? In years past, Bates has told the children that even those who've heard the story might come away with a new understanding. And that, Christians say, is the key to the well-known Nativity tale. Each year, it could mean something completely different. And as Bates carefully chooses her cast--leaving no one out, but meticulous about giving the right parts--the faithful act as their own casting director each year. A new parent, for example, may identify with Mary and Joseph, while someone seeking answers could feel affinity with the wise men. Each comes to their part in different ways, not unlike the lineup in Bates' play. They might be the extra angels--those who didn't sign up for the pageant or show up for rehearsal but who came on Christmas Eve hopeful for a role, dressing in the spare robes, wings and halos Bates keeps in a cardboard box just for such last-minute actors. They might be like the 5-year-old wise man, eager to play his part, proud of his single line, but tripping over the gold robes he has yet to grow into. Or they could be the fifth-grader, reluctant to play Joseph yet again. Or the toddlers too scared to wear the sheep costume. But no matter what the role or the attitude, at some point, they'll be lined up in a hallway, seconds before show time. The director will offer a prayer, like Bates, "We're here to tell the story of Jesus. Help us to carry the message, give us peace, keep us calm." And the actors will file into the church and onto the stage. And tell the story of Jesus one more time. Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Date published: 12/25/2008
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