Christmas is arguably America’s favorite holiday.
Records indicate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t
celebrated on Dec. 25 until the fourth century A.D., and the
Puritan authorities in Massachusetts punished citizens for
celebrating the holiday until the law was appealed in 1681.
Christmas is arguably America’s favorite holiday.
Records indicate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t celebrated on Dec. 25 until the fourth century A.D., and the Puritan authorities in Massachusetts punished citizens for celebrating the holiday until the law was appealed in 1681.
But today it seems everyone marks the holiday in one way or another: sales at the shopping malls, specials on television, parties at the office and elsewhere.
Gilroy’s First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Avenue, invites all South Country residents to join in the Christmas spirit by attending one (or both) of the Christmas theatrical productions scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11.
“A Star Is Born” will be presented at 6pm in the church auditorium, performed by members of the children’s choir, from grades kindergarten through six. Approximately 25 boys and girls have been rehearsing their singing and acting skills for several weeks to give this gift to the community.
The plot revolves around a producer named Spielman who is creating a movie about the birth of Jesus.
When the actress slated to play Mary gets sick, another actress must be found to replace her.
This girl, Sophia, learns about the faithfulness and humility of Mary in an amusing and ironic way.
Sheila Stewart, director the the Children’s Choir, invites everyone to come and enjoy “the hard work of a fantastic group of kids.”
Shortly after, at 7:15, the Praise and Drama Teams will present “The Greatest Gift,” a musical journey exploring the true meaning of Christmas.
The show begins with a debate between John the Baptist and Santa Claus.
It then follows the Three Wise Men along a comical path in search of Jesus. A chorus punctuates the action with secular and religious seasonal songs.
The play comes to a surprise ending with an inspirational performance of “Oh, Holy Night.”
Birdie Spear, leader of the Drama Ministry, welcomes all visitors to see this humorous take on the great message of Christmas, combining inspirational music and spirited acting.
Between the children’s and adults’ performances, the audience is invited to enjoy a Christmas Fellowship Dessert Potluck.
There is no charge for this or either performance. For more information call (408) 847-6000.
Over the years several South County churches have hosted live nativity scenes, complete with the barnyard animals present around the manger.
This year, however, local residents may wish to travel to the Santa Clara First Baptist Church (3111 Benton Street) to see the “South Bay’s largest outdoor performance of the Christmas story” Dec. 9 through 13 from 6:30 to 9pm nightly.
There will be five free half-hour performances each night.
Visitors will witness the events surrounding the birth of Jesus: seeing Joseph and Mary searching Bethlehem for a place to stay, the lowly shepherds visited by an angel, the noble entry of the Wise Men.
There will be music, drama, lights and exotic animals to illustrate the events of two millennia ago. Call (408) 241-7635 for more information.
