Two weeks ago, all of my 8 English major classes (1st, 2nd and 3rd years) enjoyed learning about the Christmas story as the first installment took place for our Christmas culture lessons.

        As always, the re-enactment brought it all to life.   Parts are given by a name draw.  In the past, we’ve had both male Marys, not to mention female Josephs, which always makes for a lot of laughter and fun.  That especially goes when Mary becomes pregnant with our stuffed Christmas bear baby, hustled under Mary’s shirt after Gabriel announces she’ll be carrying God’s son.

        We had no boy Mary’s this year but we did have male angels with tinsel halos and glittery hair bands that added a little extra gaiety to our play. 

          Everyone is always such a good sport about wearing the simple costumes that I have and getting into their characters.  Even the star, a non-speaking part, holds high the star wand with great enthusiasm, mustering up as much brightness as possible.

          Here are some highlights of the birth of Jesus, as told by my students in Luzhou.  (Note:  There will be different actors in the photos to represent the different classes I have.  Enjoy!)

Gabriel tells Mary she will have a child.

Joseph takes Mary as his wife at Gabriel’s urging.

Mary to Gabriel: “I will follow God’s wishes.”

Joseph and Mary, on the way to Bethlehem. about to enter the city.

The innkeepers have bad news: “No room here! Try another place.”