Ward Christmas Program

Last year our ward decided to do something different from cramming our huge numbers into the gym for a sub-par dinner and kids running wild anticipating a long line with a fake Santa and a candy cane.  Our Bishop envisioned something special and set about recruiting many talented people to make it happen.  It was stunning.  It was both elaborate and simple.  It was beautiful.  It was in that same gym, but instead of gaudy décor, there were just chairs and a little platform with microphones.  There were two boys dressed as missionaries talking about being away from home for Christmas and how they could focus on feeling the significance of the season in order to stop dwelling on what they were missing out on.  We were led in some sacred Christmas music.  Then Nephi, the prophet from the American continent at the time of Christ’s birth, appeared and spoke to us about the wicked threatening his people if the sign of the birth didn’t come soon.  Then, he heard that voice, The Voice of the Savior, promising His arrival on the morrow.   Then we had Shepherds testify of their heavenly visitors and joy.  The inn keeper and his wife then came and handed out burlap bags with cheese and grapes as they talked about how sorry they were to only have their stable to offer that poor man and his very expectant wife.  Then we saw the wise men and heard from them about following the star and realizing Herod’s evil intention.  Then the curtains to the stage opened revealing a beautifully made stable and Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus.  As Sarah Asplund sang a beautiful lullaby.  The shepherds and wise men and gigantic wooden camel reverently came in to adore their king.  It was breathtaking.   The costumes were amazing, down to every tiny detail. 

This year, the Bishop wanted to do something along those same lines, but decided the setting should be in the Ferrin/Prince barn.  People worked for hours clearing it out, bringing in bales of hay for seating, bringing in heaters, generators, microphones, lighting, etc.  It was last night and it snowed all day.  It was a beautiful night, the snow plows hadn’t even made it to the neighborhood streets so we decided to walk down the hill to the barn.  The kids jumped on a sled and snowboard.  We trudged down the hill in one of those magically wintry scenes with freshly fallen powder everywhere you looked.  There were people on little 4 wheelers clearing a path to walk to the barn.  We found our bench of hay and settled in as close as we could to help stay warm.  It was so fun to watch neighbors and friends pile into the barn all of us dressed as warmly as possible, with big coats and hats and gloves and rosy cheeks. 

 

The Bishop welcomed us, and after the prayer, two teenage boys talked about trying to find the joy of Christmas.  We sang some songs and then again had Nephi, and then a children’s chorus about the Sign.  Then came the shepherds and a sheep.

Then Anna, and 3 others (Eve and Emily Asplund and Jeremy Wilcox) sang a beautiful rendition of “Angels We Have Heard on High”)

 

Then the children’s chorus again, and the Inn keepers.

Then the Wise Men who also had a real camel!  He was a little shy and stayed in the background, but I got a shot of him later:

Love the cell phone?

Finally, Joseph, Mary and a very real (not very happy) baby. 

It was so neat!  After the program, they had a tent with hot chocolate and cookies.  It was a perfect, beautiful night!