Lessons all about Jesus
Churches throughout Butler County take special efforts to teach children the true meaning of Christmas in a manner that is equal parts fun, education and inspiration.
Some teach through song. Others plan elaborate plays or celebrations.
But no matter what the vehicle, the underlying lesson is always the same: Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
"It is one thing to be told something," said Lynda Johnston, director of the Harmony Zelienople United Methodist Childcare Center. "But the message really sinks in ... it becomes more relatable ... when (children) do something."
On Dec. 10 at the center, 17 children up to age 5 performed, "Tiptoe to Bethlehem." They sang songs and re-enacted important events related to the Nativity.
"The program is over," Johnston said, "but the children are still singing the songs."
The Rev. John K. Jefferis of the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church said programming for children really gets them into the activity of worship."
This year, about 20 children from the church will present a somewhat traditional play tonight called "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Participation in the play was available to all children of the church, grades first through high school.
At GraceWay Community Church in Center Township, youngsters and adults participate in a 10-minute reading called, "The Meaning of Christmas."
As an adult gives a reading about the historical implications of the items that are associated with the holiday season, such as a wreath, a bell and a candy cane, children add ornaments to a tree representing those items.
The tree begins the program without any items on it, but it is decorated by the time the reading is complete.
"It is cute. It is fun. It has a real impact," said Pastor Dave West. "It gives something they are not getting at school, at home or at Wal-Mart ... the true meaning of Christmas. Sure gifts, trees and fun are part of it. But we emphasize Christmas is about Jesus' birthday."
Additionally, the church hosts an annual "Happy Birthday Jesus" celebration for children ages 3 to 11.
At the Hill United Presbyterian Church in Butler, "A King is Coming To Town" is this year's musical play.
The Rev. Clark Sawyer said preparing for an annual performance adds a level of enjoyment and excitement for children as they learn the Christmas and Advent story.
Hill United produces a musical show each year, and 35 to 50 children between the ages of 4 and 17 participate.
Kathy Sawyer, the church's music director, oversees the production, which includes rehearsals, costumes and singing performances.
"It's active, engaging and participatory," Pastor Sawyer said. "It's a fun way to learn."
Throughout the year, children there also participate in JAM (Jesus and Me) sessions. But at this time of the year, the youth group focuses on decorations in the church that help explain the importance of the holidays, the pastor said.
At the North Main Street Church of God, about 3,000 people each year attend the Living Christmas Tree over four days. The event brings together two, 2Z\x-story Chistmas trees with 95,000 lights that are synchronized to the music of the Christmas story.
Pastor Dave Wilson said the event is aimed at families, and children age 3 and up enjoy watching the show.
