Most of us have experienced a Christmas Pageant at one time or another.  I imagine there is a story or two associated with these experiences of the enactments of the birth of Jesus.

I remember our daughter as a child was an angel in a pageant outside on the church lawn.  The live goat kept nipping at her wings.  I remember as a teenager being a shepherd and I was excited because most girls never got to be a shepherd!  However, the beard they glued on my face itched like crazy and left its mark for several days. In another pageant the little boy playing the role of Joseph forgot his line at a very critical moment.  Instead of freezing he just moved right along and said with exuberance when baby Jesus appeared in the manger, “Wow!  Look what Mary had in the night!”

But the best Christmas Pageant I ever experienced took place at the park one block off the Main Street in the small town of Stone Mountain, Georgia.  All the local churches joined together and this community is both diverse and creative.  I think what I loved most about this pageant is that it seemed to be more REAL than any I had experienced thus far.

It began with the Children’s Choir from the Hispanic Community singing “Feliz Navidad” in costumes of their native culture.  It was quite lively as the children danced a two step to the music while they sang.  Most went in one direction in sinc, while one little boy did his own two step in his own direction out of sinc.  I always appreciate the “out of the box” kind of kid!  Mary and Joseph then entered with the donkey, but the donkey would not let Mary get on, so they had to “punt” and just walk along, pulling the donkey with a strong rope.

Here you can see the Angel profoundly proclaiming the good news of the arrival of the baby Jesus, Savior of the world!  Mary is very young, very pretty.  Joseph is not quite as young, but that is a true story.  Mary seems fresh and energetic, even after having to walk to Bethlehem.  Joseph?  Well, maybe a little tired, or stargazed.

A llama may or may not have been present for the first birth, but here she stole the show.  She was quite alert and reacting to every movement of anyone by stretching and snaking her long neck constantly from one direction to another.  She did not miss anything!  (I think this would have made God happy!). You can see in the background that some were concerned about her behavior….then others were not. In this photo is a sneak preview of another wonderful surprise. The wise men arrived from the East accompanied by bagpipers in native kilts to the tune of “We Three Kings of Orient are…” ( the bagpipers made the Orient part slightly questionable but certainly enjoyable!).

The entire scene when it all came together seemed to truly represent so much of the wonderful diversity present in the world God created and came to earth to save. I loved it! The more we can be present in diversity, the more we can understand the depth and perspective of God’s love for all humankind.

Then, here is perhaps the best part…..

A dove had arrived, unscheduled and unannounced, yet present for the entire event.  We must realize that in Christian art the dove represents the presence of God in the form of the Holy Spirit.  The dove perched itself on the highest bale of hay above the manger, seeming anxious until the baby arrived.  Then, in that holy moment, a wonderful peace came over the dove, and she watched quietly the rest of the pageant, her eyes fixed on baby Jesus. No one questioned that this baby is Immanuel, “GOD WITH US”!

Ah, for me, the Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Questions to ponder….

Remember a Christmas Pageant you have experienced. What made it unique and/or special?

Where might you find a way to experience diversity this Advent Season?

Watch, look, listen for where the Christmas Story may become more REAL for you this year.

nk