Bensalem Christian Day School hosts annual holiday show, ‘A Night in Bethlehem’
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
It was a bright, brisk morning on Friday, Dec. 15. But inside the walls of Bensalem United Methodist Church, the sun turned into stars as the kids of Bensalem Christian Day School performed their annual Christmas show, “A Night in Bethlehem,” in front of proud parents and relatives.
The students starred in two performances held at 9 and 10 a.m. Loved ones crowded into the rows of pews, cameras and phones in hand, as they excitedly awaited the finished product of their children’s hard work.
As guests arrived, they enjoyed the pleasant organ stylings of United Methodist’s Connie Kurtiz, who played Christmas classics such as “Silver Bells” and “What Child Is This?” and season-friendly tunes such as “My Favorite Things” from A Sound of Music.
Once everyone was settled, each of the teachers led their respective classes into the church. First to enter were the 20 students of Mrs. Hoelper, Mrs. Gougler and Mrs. Per, who performed the catchy number “Five Little Snowflakes.” Six of the children were selected to stand on stage while the rest sang in unison from the pews.
On the far left, a boy was dressed as the sun while five of his classmates wore large paper snowflakes around their necks. A large poster board with the song’s lyrics allowed the audience to sing along. After each verse of “one little snowflake melted away,” one of the five slowly fell to the ground until just the sun remained.
The sun and snowflakes then joined their peers in singing “Jingle, Jingle Little Bells” and an adorable version of “Little Drummer Boy” during which they drummed on their seats with colorful wooden sticks.
During the second portion of the show, Mrs. Mastil’s and Mrs. Jonas’ classes performed “A Night in Bethlehem,” a story of the nativity and first Christmas. Joseph and Mary, played by Chase Nessler and Aniyah Blount, were the first to walk down the aisle and join the toy baby Jesus on the altar. Soon, they were followed by three shepherds, the Angel of the Lord, three wise men, King Herod and nine additional angels.
As all of the students gathered together to create this well-known scene, parents and loved ones in the audience smiled proudly as they took as many photos as they could to cherish the moment.
In unison, the two classes sang “Silent Night” followed by “Happy Birthday Jesus.” During the latter, school director Lisa Woods brought out a tiny cake to go along with the song.
As a grand finale to “A Night in Bethlehem,” all of the students sang a Day School version of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The rendition had the traditional lyrics, as well as some fun additions like “let’s all do a little waving and spread Christmas cheer” as the students waved in rhythm to the song.
Afterward, loved ones in the audience were able to take photos of the children on the altar and congratulate them on a job well done before they returned to class.
This year’s show was certainly a success, but according to Woods, next year’s may be even better as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Bensalem Christian Day School is located at 4300 Hulmeville Road in Bensalem. For more information, call 215–245–1610, email [email protected] or visit bensalemchristiandayschool.org. ••
