by Bruce Millar

Last Christmas St. Paul's Union Church of Taupo shared the Christmas story through drama to 1,400 children in their community. The majority of these children had no church contact and knew little or nothing of the Biblical meaning of Christmas. This was the church's 'present' to their community.

Invitations were sent to local primary schools inviting them to experience the story of Jesus' birth as told in the gospels. They were also asked to share in the spirit of Christmas by bringing gifts of food or a gold coin for the foodbank. Acceptances for 1,400 children plus teachers were received.

A team of men built the temporary sets and provided lighting while 18 costumes were created by a 'wardrobe mistress' and her helpers. There were 25 groups of 18 'actors' from the church whose ages ranged from 3 to eighty who had no lines to learn, they only needed to be willing to dress up in order to act out the narrated story. The results were outstanding.

The children were ushered into the hall by a guide in costume, who welcomed them with a homemade biscuit and prepared them for the performance. The 20 minute recorded narrative, with excerpts from Handel's Water music, consisted of four scenes and culminated in the actors and audience singing 'Silent Night'.

'The Christmas present' was well received and generated much positive feedsback. It was a gift that became a great blessing to those who gave it.