Soak Up Christmas Spirit At Church Events In Area

Sometimes the spirit of Christmas can be seen in the smiling face of a miniature Mary or in the earnestness of the three wee ones chosen to play the Wise Men. Looking at Christmas through the eyes of a child can give the holiday special meaning.

Children and adults all over town are putting the finishing touches on a wide variety of Christmas plays and presentations. Take the opportunity to watch at least one as a way of getting into the Christmas spirit.

Here are few of presentations in North Side churches:

The youth of North Hill Christian Church will present a contemporary Christmas musical called “Bethlehem A.D.” at 6 p.m. Sunday. In this updated version of the Christmas story, Ceasar Augustus is replaced by the IRS, the donkey becomes a Ford Pinto, the shepherds are mechanics, and Christ is born in a garage.

The church is located at 4620 N. Post. The presentation is free.

The choir of Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church will present the cantata “Light of the World” at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. The children of the church will perform “It’s the Truth Ruth” during the Christmas Pageant Dinner Theater at noon. A free lunch will be served before the start of the pageant.

A bake sale will be held between the two productions. The church is located at 4449 N. Nevada.

The First Assembly of God Church, 828 W. Indiana, will present a children’s Christmas musical called “Shine, Jesus, Shine” at 6 p.m. Sunday. All are invited to attend.

The choir of Trinity United Methodist Church, 1725 E. Bridgeport, will perform a Christmas cantata at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. The cantata is called “The Gifts of Christmas.”

The children of Audubon Park United Methodist Church will present their Christmas pageant during the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. The performance is titled “A Savior is Coming!”

The church is located at 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd.

The women of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church will host a Christmas party today at 1 p.m. The party will feature Christmas carols, refreshments and The Cudmore Kids, a traveling fiddle show. All are invited to attend.

The church’s choir will present the Christmas cantata “Joy, the Gift of God” at Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. worship service. Refreshments will be served following the service.

The church is located at 1926 W. Chelan.

The choir of Central Baptist Church, 19 W. Shannon, will perform the cantata “Christmas! I Love to Tell the Story” at the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday. Child care will be provided for children under the age of 4.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is offering an alternative to dragging your children around while you finish (or start) your Christmas shopping. The church will run the Christmas for Kids program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Kids will be able to enjoy crafts, games, cookie decorating, Bible stories and more.

There is no charge for children to attend and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, however, so advance registration is required.

To register, call Margot from noon to 2 p.m. today or Friday, or Louise from 6 to 9 p.m. through Friday. The church is located at 6905 N. Country Homes Blvd.

Santa Lucia Festival on Sunday

Salem Lutheran Church, 1428 W. Broadway, will host a Santa Lucia Festival after the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Refreshments will be served.

According to legend, Lucia was a medieval saint who was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake after admitting she was a Christian.