In A Manger

"In a Manger" was my theme for this year's Ward Christmas Party. This was the 3rd party that I've been in charge of since January, when I was called as the Ward Activities Chairman. I was on the committees for last year's Halloween and Christmas parties before being given the position. (NOTE TO SELF: If you don't want to be in charge, don't do a good job "helping".) *wink wink*
These are some of the highlights from the evening...

The outdoor railing was lighted, welcoming all who joined us for the occasion. The entrance through the overflow area into the gym was set up with tables filled with various beautiful nativity scenes.

The gym had enough seating for 200, and the tables were set up in a symmetrical diagonal pattern, so that everyone would be able to see the stage. The centerpieces for the tables were colorful nativity gift boxes filled with goodies for the children in the ward.A delicious traditional dinner was served by some of the men in the ward, consisting of: ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls, and jello salad. For dessert, we had my grandmother's recipe of Easy Chocolate Eclair, yum yum! After dinner, the primary performed a play I wrote, titled "In A Manger". It began with the older boys in the primary dressed up as Bible and Book of Mormon prophets who prophecied of the Lord's coming: Moses, Isaiah, Micah, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, and Samuel the Lamanite.

The older girls in the primary were the angel choir, singing joyous songs such as "Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus" and "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" and "Away in a Manger" in between narratives.

Then Joseph and Mary spoke of when the Angel Gabriel appeared to them, and what He said. Joseph took Mary on the donkey through the gym on his way to Bethlehem. (My homemade donkey was the hit of the evening. After the play was over, everyone wanted a ride! NOTE TO SELF: next time you make a wagon into an animal at a ward party, remember to charge a fee for all the children to ride and you'll make a fortune!!!) *wink wink*

The final scene in the play was acted out as the narrator read from Luke 2. There were angels, shepherds, sheep, oxen, a donkey, and a star, with Joseph and Mary in the stable. Then at the end, the prophets and angel choir joined the scene, and all the primary children sang "Shepherd's Carol" which just so happens to be Ammon's favorite Christmas song. "Mary, Mary, hush, see the child. Joseph, Joseph, look, see how mild. This is Jesus, this is our King, this is our Savior, His praises we sing!"

I chose the theme "In a Manger" for this ward party, because I feel that this simple phrase really speaks of Christ. He is a man who was born in humble surroundings and raised in a lowly environment, and yet He is our Master, our Redeemer. When He came to this earth, He had nothing except the love that surrounded Him. LOVE. Love from Mary, Love from Joseph, Love from all who came to adore Him. He was born in a humble abode, and yet He has the greatest power: He made it possible for us to have immortality and eternal life through His atonement. We are instructed to be more Christ-like. And we can do it: we can simplify our lives, we can fill our hearts with love, we can be people of integrity, we can choose to become like Him. He wants us to follow Him. He wants us to return to our Father, and He made it possible for us to do so, even from His very birth when his mother laid Him IN A MANGER.