| December 13, 2009 | UUletide Pageant Children's Religious Education |
UUletide Pageant – created by Amalia Schelhorn and Faye Mogensen
Introit: On This Day Everywhere
UUletide story begins: Three seekers appear and search the sky. Like the wise Magi in the Christmas story, we, too, are seekers of truth and meaning. We search for illumination to guide us on our spiritual journey, a journey which may take us far from the comfort of familiarity and which may ultimately require that we leave behind what we have previously treasured.
Seeing nothing, the seekers exit.
As with the seekers today, sometimes it is difficult to find that light and in these times of darkness, of hunger or despair, we all have a need for stories of hope - like the Sun King being reborn, Zoroaster’s coming or the Christ child’s birth. But whatever story is told, it continues to shift and change and grow as it passes from one generation to another - much the way the flame of a candle flickers and grows bold then changes again.
A Figure in Black creeps out, climbs ladder and lights "star" above stage, later lights chalice.
But out of the deepest blackness in stories and in our lives, things that are unexpected arise, like a star of hope. We know the ancient story of a star shining brightly over a cold dark stable. It is drawn from stories that are even more ancient - stories that have brought warmth on the coldest of nights. For just like a flame, stories can ignite hope in ourselves and others. Today, as we light the chalice, enjoy the words of Lindsay Bates:
To face the world's coldness,
a chalice of warmth.
To face the world's terrors,
a chalice of courage.
To face the world's turmoil
a chalice of peace,
May its glow fill our spirits, our hearts, our lives.
And now may its glow spread towards our stage… where we encounter a tableau or 3-d painting that depicts a tradition predating Christianity in northern Europe. A tradition that the Puritans shunned for its pagan roots – but one, that in a liberal religious era, we’ve now embraced so strongly few of us can imagine Christmas without the sight and smell of the evergreen. Its branches give us faith that life will continue when all else seems dead. Please remain seated while joining in to sing O Tannenbaum.
Hymn/Tableau: O Tannenbaum
As Unitarians, our responses to the dark days are perhaps even more complex than they are for those who follow a well-defined religious creed.
There are deep contradictions associated with Christmas – many of us love the family gatherings, carols and the stories. And yet, how do we make sense of it all? As we look around in the cold and dark we see suffering, war, hunger, homelessness, unhappiness. And then, instead of solving these things, Christmas sometimes seems to perpetuate them. It can seem more like a commercial monster than the celebration of a pine birth or the usher of hope.
So, how do we find our footing, when we want to reject the materialism of Christmas, we long to make sense what we do in our lives AND perhaps most of all, we have a great need for hope.
As a storyteller, I may be a little biased, but I think a way we can begin to find meaning is by grabbing hold of the word story. We do not have to regard a story as an account or a chronicle – instead we can focus on its metaphors – its deeper truths.
Unitarians have been doing this for as long as there have been Unitarians and, as we researched pieces for the pageant, we were surprised to learn how many of our familiar traditions were composed or written by ‘one of us’. These are stories and songs that present peace in a time of war, comfort in a time of sorrow, food in a time of hunger.
In 1849, Rev. Edmund Sears wrote a Christmas carol for a fellow Unitarian who was looking for an appropriate song for a children’s Christmas celebration. At this time, war drums were beating loudly throughout the world. As we sing “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” be attentive to the words in the third verse. Sears’ concern about revolutions in Europe, war in Mexico, slavery in the southern United States and general injustice is apparent. Please remain seated as we sing so that you can enjoy the 2nd tableau that depicts another story of hope.
Hymn/Tableau: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The story that lies at the heart of Christmas takes place in the most unexpected of places. A pine birth in a lowly stable to a virgin mother. What greater surprise could there be? What greater time of hope is there, than that which comes with the joy and love and innocence of a newborn babe? Whether viewed as literal truth or as powerful mythology, this story is rich in symbolism. It speaks to the miraculous possibility that renewal and promise can arise in unexpected ways out of our darkest times of upheaval.
Imagine for a moment that you are a servant in a busy inn. People are always yelling at you to “do this, do that.” They never say thanks. You are underpaid, overworked and never have time to stop and think. A kind word is foreign to you. How can you help but feel rotten about yourself?
Imagine a cold winter night - you’ve been working non-stop all day and all week and all month. Your bones are weary, your back is aching. It’s past midnight and the inn is still crowded and busy. There is a great sense of turmoil - people have traveled from far and wide because they have been commanded to return to their homeland. They are tired and confused, and downright grumpy.
Imagine that you are racing around serving people and the owner yells at you to go and get more firewood. You hurry outside - you trip and fall and pick yourself to rush some more. You’re full of pain – you don’t notice the clear dark sky full of brightly shining stars. You aren’t aware of the quite. You are too busy rushing, rushing, rushing…
Now, imagine your surprise as you push open the doors of the stable to get the firewood…
You halt. Right there in the stable, a newborn baby being held and comforted by its mother. Imagine what it would be like to see the father there, his face full of joy and love.
Imagine how that would stop you up. How it would fill you with wonder. How you might suddenly notice the stars shining and the stillness in the air, and just how beautiful everything is. You might feel beautiful yourself, for the first time ever.
As the childrens' choir sings Mary’s Baby, enjoy a scene filled with hope and love, inspired by Italian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto's Nativity.
Anthem/Nativity Tableau: Mary’s Baby
Offeratory Words: The Nativity story is full of hope. It’s one I think Charles Dickens, the famous English author could relate to. He became a Unitarian because he felt that it was the only religious movement which made quality of life a central concern. In his many books, Dickens highlights the disparity between the small wealthy and the very large poor social classes that existed during his lifetime. His “A Christmas Carol,” written in 1843, is one of the most beloved pieces of Christmas literature and like the Nativity Story, is a story of hope.
You may remember the poor Cratchit family and their crippled son, Tiny Tim. Today the offertory will be collected by some of our youth dressed as poor beggars from Dicken's time. “A Christmas Carol” may be seen as a statement of the power of generosity.
Let us join together now as a generous people. The Offering will be used to support the many ministries of our Church. The children will now receive the gifts of the congregation.
Offering begins, but is interrupted:
Introductory skit - A Christmas Carol – happens within congregation:
Beggars hold out hats to congregation, saying “Alms for the church?” and “Thank You, Merry Christmas.” Very soon, beggar approaches congregant dressed as Scrooge.
Beggar : Alms for the church?
Scrooge : Bah! Humbug!
Beggar : Well Merry Christmas, Sir.
Scrooge : Out upon Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.
Beggar : What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.
Scrooge : Christmas is a poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to.
Scrooge starts to walk away but is intercepted by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Scrooge : Who, and what are you? Are you a spirit? How now! Dreadful apparition, what do you want with me?
Ghost points to stage. Curtain opens.
A Christmas Carol - First Skit
1st: I don't know much about it. I only know he's dead.
2nd: When did he die?
1st: Last night, I believe.
2nd : Why, what was the matter with him? I thought he'd never die.
1St : God knows ( yawning)
2nd : What has he done with his money?
1st : I haven't heard. He hasn't left it with me. That's all I know.
2nd: It's likely to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life I don't know of anybody to go to it.
Enter 3rd person.
3rd : Merry Christmas.
1st : Merry Christmas.
2nd : Old Scratch has got his own at last.
3rd : So I'm told. Cold, isn't?
2nd : Seasonal for Christmastime. You're not a skater, I suppose?
3rd : No, no. Something else to think of. Good morning.( tipping hat )
Scrooge: Are these shadows of things that have not happened , but will happen in the time yet to come? Ghost of the Future! I fear you, but I think your purpose is to do me good. Is that so, Spirit? Will you not speak to me?
Ghost points to stage. Curtain opens. Second skit takes place.
A Christmas Carol – Second Skit
Dead Scrooge is on bed. Worker is looking through his things when 2nd worker enters. They surprise one another, then laugh.
1st: Who's the worse for the loss of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose.
2nd: No, indeed. (laugh) If he wanted to keep them after he was dead, the wicked old screw, why wasn't he natural in his lifetime?
1st: If he had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was lying gasping out his last here, alone by himself.
2nd: It's the truest word that ever was spoke. It's a judgment on him.
3rd: Ha -ha. This is the end of it, you see. He frightened every one away from him when he was alive to profit us when he was dead. Ha- ha!
Scrooge: Am I that man who lay upon the bed? Spirit, hear me! I am not the man I must have been but for this visit. Why show me this if I am past all hope? Assure me that I yet may change these shadows by an altered life.
Ghost retreats.
Scrooge : I don't know what to do! I'm as light a s feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy! Hallo! My fine fellow! - a delightful boy - Take this for your good church (depositing money in hat) – an intelligent boy - and a Merry Christmas to everybody!
Offertory resumes:
Scrooge was rather moved! And now, if you feel moved not only to be generous, but to light a candle of joy or concern, you are welcome to come forward after you have passed the offertory hat to you neighbour.
Story resumes:
In the middle of the 19th century, New England born Unitarian James Pierpont visited his brother in Georgia. He was only 14 when he left home and, after a time, became very homesick. Out of his sorrow came one of the happiest songs of all – Jingle Bells. I invite the children to come forward to sing. Please join in for the final verse.
Song: Jingle Bells
In all of these pieces we detect the same messages: light shining out on the darkest of nights, generosity growing in the heart of a selfish miser, joy growing out of sorrow…
Bells have long been a symbol of hope and a call for action. Today churches all around the world are ringing their bells to call for politicians to take strong action to curb climate change. Listen at 12 noon for our new bell to ring out for the first time – we are ringing it as a call for our politicians to make a difference to people like 17 year old Christine from the Solomon Islands – a country whose very existence is threatened by sea level rise within her lifetime. If you would like to help ring it… head out to the deck when the service is over…
But, the service is not yet over, nor are the bells. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow recognized the beauty and importance of bells at Christmas. His beliefs as a liberal Christian lead him to the Unitarian church in the late 1820’s. When he wrote “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” the US was in the middle of the Civil War - a horrid war where cousins and brothers became enemies. As the choir sings and Anastasia Thorne dances, feel the hope Longfellow was trying to express. A hope that peace will be restored. It is a hope that continues to this day in the Middle East, parts of Africa, and in our own streets, our homes and our hearts.
Closing Words/ The Wise Men and their camel enter and slowly process up the aisle during these words: When we focus on metaphor and symbolism we can embrace the Christmas story as expressing faith that there is spirit where we least expect it. There is light even in darkness. That strangers will come together in peace. That the wealthy will share with the poor. There is hope even in times of despair and seekers will find what they quest.
Magi exit through curtain on stage
The stories of Christmas speak to the great power of both love and compassion. It reflects humankind's yearning for peace and well-being, and our need for hope. This is the true Unitarian and Universalist message about the spirit of Christmas.
Let’s take a moment of silence to feel the power of love and compassion. As we enter the stillness, I invite you to link arms or place your hand on the back of the person beside you. (quiet for a moment, followed by a bell.)
As we extinguish our chalice, hears words inspired by Rev. Brian Kiely. Figure in Black extinguishes chalice and "star."
In the darkness, there is a glimmer of light.
In our aloneness, lie the seeds of friendship.
In our grief, lie the seeds of cherished love.
In our pain and illness, lie the seeds of health recovered.
In our sadness, lie the seeds of our happiness.
In this time together, lie the seeds of hope renewed in us.
May peace be with you in this season of darkness and mystery. For our Closing Song, it is our custom to stand and join hands as you are willing and able.
Hymn: Joy to the World
Sources of Inspiration:
The Pagan Christ book by Tom Harpur
Tracks in the Straw book by Ted Loder
A Blue Christmas sermon by Rev. Brian Kiely
Christmas Traditions from our Unitarian Ancestors sermon adapted by Virginia Steele (Sudbury, MA) from original script by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth B. Stevens
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Phone | (250) 744-2665 |
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