A simple Christmas pageant

In addition to finding ways to simplify our Christmas giving, our family also tries to take a few opportunities to remember "the reason for the season." One of my favourite events in this regard is the annual L'Arche Christmas pageant. Now that I work for L'Arche, I have all the dope on what's happening this year because I spent a good part of Monday spreading the word to various media outlets.

For those who have never attended a L'Arche pageant, it's an experience like no other. The story in the gospel of Luke is re-enacted by our community, with the starring roles of Mary and Joseph often played by our people with disabilities, assisted by people without disabilities. Last year, "Mary" had a "nursemaid" (our board chair) to help her with "baby Jesus" (our board chair's infant daughter). Naturally, the baby was more taken with her "nursemaid" than with being Mary's "son," so Mary gave up and wandered off stage for a time and had to be coaxed back to finish the play. Shepherds, angels and wise men all played their parts as expected, some from wheel chairs. The evening included a very special tradition -- the singing of Silent Night in all the languages represented in our community. Last year, there were verses sung in 22 languages; I'm not sure how many there will be this year.

So if you're in the neighbourhood, and want to enjoy hearing a simple and beautiful retelling of the ancient story that is soon to be celebrated by Christians the world over, you're invited. This year's Christmas pageant will be held at St. Thomas D'Aquin Church, 8410 89th Street, Edmonton, at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 13th. As the L'Arche Edmonton Mandate says, "We want to tell people about L'Arche. We want to have more friends." So feel free to bring your friends, and perhaps a donation for the Food Bank, if you like. We look forward to seeing you!