These pictures are from the St.Mary’s nativity play in December 2009. All of the Sunday School children had worked so hard and rehearsed for the occasion under the careful (and very patient) guidance of their Sunday School teachers. The pictures show the happy angels garlanded with gold and tinsel haloes, the shepherds with knotted headscarves and rope belts around their waists, holding their crooks upright, and Mary and Joseph at centre stage.
Our children, Daniel and Beth Michelmore were taking part as a shepherd and angel at ages four and six years. I can remember that Daniel took his role very seriously and followed instructions to the letter. His younger sister Beth was less convinced that her full attention was necessary, and the photo shows her examining her shoes whilst the nativity story was recited. The other young angels are also finding it hard to concentrate and are having a whispered conversation together, whilst the older participants are focused on their lines.
I treasure these photos because they encapsulate a shared community moment in the church, observing the Christmas festival with friends and family.
