St Peter Christmas Program
Christmas Program 2006
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The story of Jesus’ birth has reached into some pretty awesome places and transformed lives in faraway corners of the globe. From Nairobi to Guatemala, Tokyo to Amsterdam, people proclaim the Good News of Christ Jesus. Throughout the evening, guests traveled to Asia, Mexico, Ireland and the Middle East. Though music and traditions varied, they discovered that we as believers share the same profound love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"For unto us was born this day in the city of David, a Savior Christ the Lord."
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Written & Directed by Ms. Marnie Schmidt
Accompanied by Mrs. Teresa Feldman
Music by Brentwood Benson Publishing
Did you know the poinsettia plant that we often see at Christmas is native to Mexico? A legend is shared among the people there which tells of a little boy named Pablo who was walking to the church in his village to visit the Christ Child. Suddenly, he realized he had no gift to offer and grew very sad. As he walked, he prayed. As the church grew near, he saw some green branches growing along the roadside and gathered them up thinking it a nice gift for the Christ Child. Other children made fun of him as he brought them to Mary and Joseph, but when he laid them by the manger bed, a brilliant red star-shaped flower appeared on each branch. Since that time, the poinsettia has become a flower that people around the world use as decoration at Christmas time.
(pictured here are Makenzie Quade, Carter Yerkes, Hallie Testroet, Morgan Davis and Sarah Wilcox)
The Middle East is said to be the Cradle of Civilization, also known as Persia, from where the Three Wisemen began their journey bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Countries such as Iraq and Iran lye within this area. Here they also have Christmas customs that are rooted in the birth of Christ and ideals of human goodness.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together in their homes. Traditionally, one of the children read the story of Jesus’ birth while the others hold candles which symbolize the light of the world that would soon come to be the Christ Child. After the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is lit and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year and when the fire eventually dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.
On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. Here the cleric carries a small statue of baby Jesus. Afterwards he blesses it and then blesses one person with a touch. In turn, that person touches the person next to them and the touch is passed around until everyone has felt the "touch of peace."
(pictured here are Channing Wunsch and Riley Kock)
As we travel to the west, we cross mountains and ocean before coming to a region known as Asia. Here, there are many countries and many rich traditions that focus on family, especially honoring the memories of loved ones that have died. The culture of the people is to be strong and proud of their history. In the countries of China and Japan, Christmas is one of the many occasions where ancestors are remembered with pictures and prayers. Each home decorates a "Tree of Light" which is like our Christmas tree. These ornate trees are adorned with chains and flowers made from paper, and animals constructed using the ancient art of Origami. Additionally, entire villages glow with the light from colorful paper lanterns. On Christmas Eve, Asian children hang stockings made from muslin and wait for Dun Che Lao or "Christmas Old Man" to bring them special things.
(pictured here are Miranda Joebgen and Lisa Feldman)
As always the Nursery – First Grade were a special treat with songs such as "I’d Like to be a Christmas Tree" and "Angel Band".
Then, the lights were dimmed and the congregation joined us in singing hymns of the Nativity: "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "What Child is This", "The First Noel" and "Silent Night".
As "Shine, Jesus, Shine" echoed through the Sanctuary everyone took in the true meaning of the holiday. For wherever you call home … as believers in Christ Jesus … Jesus IS the reason for the season!
