THE angels all had their halos, innkeepers waited by their doors, shepherds watched their flocks, wise men brought gifts, and Mary and Joseph waited nervously for their big moment.
For the students of Assisi College, Upper Coomera, the Christmas season took on special significance when the community came together on November 25 for the school’s presentation of “A Franciscan Christmas”.
All 115 early years students from Prep and Preschool to Year 3 were involved in the liturgy, playing the roles of angels, shepherds, wise men, kings, prophets, innkeepers, travellers, Mary and Joseph.
The Year 2 students took on the roles of soldiers, farmers, townspeople, the wealthy and poor of Assisi – and St Francis of Assisi and his brothers even made an appearance.
Assistant principal for religious education, Michael Boyle, said “while many school communities choose to host Christmas carol evenings, the Assisi College community decided to stage a Nativity play to reflect the Franciscan ethos of the college”.
“This event, however,” said Mr Boyle, “was not simply a concert or performance but a prayerful experience to prepare the community for the coming Christmas season.”
“A Franciscan Christmas” was a liturgical experience staged in the St Mary’s Community Worship Centre and was written and directed by Mr Boyle with the help of teaching staff.
It comprised the performance of the birth of Christ, combined with carol singing. It also utilised multimedia, the college choir, and the talents of music, drama and clowning.
“A Franciscan Christmas” also told the story of how St Francis of Assisi re-instituted the Nativity scene in the small town of Greccio outside Assisi in 1223.
