A Christmas pageant like no other

It all began when our church decided to do a family Christmas Eve service.  

The kids in our congregation were super excited and we all had tons of plans, me especially. My mother and some other women from the church got together to plan. They planned the script, the drama, the music, and so much more. We all agreed that we wanted this to be a pageant like no other.  

Everyone, especially the kids, had so many ideas. Some wanted the kids to learn to play the bells, some wanted a candlelit portion, some wanted to invite the younger children up for a setting of the nativity, some wanted a pageant, and some wanted a song done in sign language. We agreed that all these ideas were great so we carefully incorporated them into our one-hour service. Bells were to begin the service, the pageant was to be the centerpiece with the setting of the nativity following close behind, "O Holy Night" was to be performed in sign language, and then we got to end with candlelight and a song. 

Once the service was completed everyone would be invited to join the congregation by fire pits and hot cocoa. That way we thought everyone would be able to meet other community members and celebrate the Advent season. We also made sure to include congregational singing to keep people on their toes. After a few planning meetings, we got the show on the road and began practice. 

Our first couple of practices went slowly and there were many rewrites of the script as well as a few character changes. After working out the bumps, things got smoother. Every week since the start of November we have met to rehearse for an hour and a half. We practiced and practiced. Costumes were figured out and props were planned.   

Bells and sign language have been learned. The weeks flew by and pretty soon we all noticed that Christmas was now upon us. Boy, are we ready for it! Lights are up, snow is on the ground (in some places at least), and Christmas cheer and craziness are happening. The bells are sounding great and every single one of us is super excited to be able to show all that we have practiced and worked hard at.  

I’m thrilled to help the younger kids who come to our pageant carefully place their pieces into the nativity scene. But what I am most excited about is to be able to get to share the story of Jesus, our Savior’s birth, with everyone that comes. This season of hope and joy. All of us hope that many people will join us on Christmas Eve to bring glory to God and to help everyone remember the real reason for the season.  

The community is invited to join us Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 W. Pine St., to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

    Christ Our Redeemer congregation members are pictured at a rehearsal for an upcoming special Christmas Eve service. Pictured, in the back row, from left, are Annabelle Thomson, Nolan Tuohy, Iona Tuohy and Rebecca Thomson. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Brielle Cunningham and Lochlan Tuohy.
  

    Iona, Nolan and Lochlan Tuohy rehearse for a special Christmas Eve service at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
  

    Iona, Nolan and Lochlan Tuohy rehearse for a special Christmas Eve service at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.