Children's Christmas Eve Pagent

Transfiguration Church 2008

"In the eyes of children

we find the joy of Christmas.

In their hearts,

we find it's meaning."

Each year, on Christmas Eve, just before the 5 PM Mass, children of Transfiguration parish re-enact the story of Jesus’ birth. Rehearsals begin in early December. Those in the fifth grade and above are invited to play an instrument in the orchestra set up just for that evening. Fourth graders prepare to read parts of the Christmas story and third graders, the shepherds who stand in awe before the Angel Gabriel and then proceed to the manger to welcome the baby Jesus. Many parents help with the preparations, the costumes and the enactment. And at the end of the Mass, which follows the pageant, all children present are invited to receive a small gift as a symbol of their participation in this special occasion. As each child and parent participates they feel part of the true meaning of Christmas.

First graders, kindergartners and pre-kindergartners carry candles in the beautiful procession which starts the pageant.	Second graders make up the choir of angels.
The third graders act as shepherds who stand in awe before the Angel Gabriel and then proceed to the manger to welcome the baby Jesus.	There are children in the roles of kings and gift bearers, animals and tax collectors, as well as Jesus and Mary. Sometimes there is even a live baby.
At the blessing of the crib one of the children leads the congregation in the prayer of the faithful written for this occasion.	Father James speaks to all the children on the altar.

First graders, kindergartners and pre-kindergartners carry candles in the beautiful procession which starts the pageant.

Second graders make up the choir of angels.

The third graders act as shepherds who stand in awe before the Angel Gabriel and then proceed to the manger to welcome the baby Jesus.

There are children in the roles of kings and gift bearers, animals and tax collectors, as well as Jesus and Mary. Sometimes there is even a live baby.

At the blessing of the crib one of the children leads the congregation in the prayer of the faithful written for this occasion.

Father James speaks to all the children on the altar.

In the 2008 Christmas Eve Pageant, approximately 72 children participated in the event. The images of the pageant were captured by two photographers Mitch Chalsen and Piaras de Cleir both parishioners at Transfiguration Church, who did a splendid job photographing the event. A few of those photographs have been posted above. If parents would like an opportunity to review all of the photographs that captured the Christmas Eve Pageant, kindly forward that request to Nancy Nelson, Coordinator of Religious Education, at nancynelson@optimum.net, if your child attends CCD classes. If your child attends Transfiguration School, please contact the school office at 914-631-3737. Nancy or school staff members will forward the internet link that will allow access to these pageant photographs on Shutterfly. After reviewing the site, parents can order and purchase photographs of their choice.