[Image]  The kids were able to participate in the annual Nativity play this year, something my budding actors really enjoy. This year Desert Girl was an angel and Desert Boy was the innkeeper/priest. I managed to get them to stand together before the start so I could get a photo.

[Image]  Then Desert Girl promptly went and tickled her cousin, who was trying to get in a quick nap on shepherd's hill.

[Image]  The play is led by the magnificent Sharon, who manages to pull the whole production together despite kids missing practices, limited rehearsal time, and difficulties learning lines. I'm amazed at how she does it all. Thanks, Sharon!!

[Image]  After a quick run through of the songs with the piano, it was time to take their places.

[Image]  The angels crack me up every year, and this time was no exception.

[Image]  They sit center stage for most of the production, and it's just a little hard to sit still and look angelic that whole time.

[Image]  Hmmm...

[Image]  The audience got a good laugh when an obviously pregnant Mary came out to announce to Joseph that she was with child. Where had he been that he hadn't noticed?

[Image]  Soon Mary and Joseph were looking for a room, and the Innkeeper told them loudly, "All my rooms are full!" Desert Boy really got into his part and said his lines with a lot of emotion. He always learns his lines faster than I do.

[Image]  Then the baby was born and wrapped in swaddling cloths.

[Image]  Meanwhile the shepherds out on shepherd hill were learning the exciting news.

[Image]  The angels went over too, and one little angel couldn't help but give a look at her shepherd friend.

[Image]  Before long, Three Wise Men were on their way to the Newborn King, with a stop at King Herod's palace, with the guard and priest in attendance. The size discrepancy made the Three Wise Men seem even more impressive!

[Image]  The angels were still up on center stage, and Desert Girl was having a mighty hard time sitting still.

[Image]  I'm not sure what she was looking at, but it had to be interesting.

[Image]  It was almost See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil!

[Image]  The older angels were cracking up.

[Image]  Then it was time for the grand finale, Joy to the World, and bows. Well done!

[Image]  Isaac and Desert Girl were mighty proud of themselves.

It was a really enjoyable production. Again, I don't know how Sharon manages to do such a good job with such limited time. We're so grateful she organizes it, as the kids have such a good time and it is so fun watching them.

Following the play, we attended the candlelight service, which was beautiful and helped us get ready to celebrate Christ's birthday and the bringing of light into the world.
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Merry Christmas!