How could Jesus of Nazareth be relevant to a child of today? Was he any different from the little boys and girls who wake up every morning to go to school, who do their homework and listen to their mothers read? No matter how different, Jesus’ message was able to live through times and to this day, it strikes a chord in every child’s heart. Thus began the Convent of Jesus and Mary’s 48th Annual Christmas Play titled the ‘The Empty Manger’ on Monday. The traditional Christmas tale with its carols and angels was depicted in a message relevant to today’s day and age. The story was narrated by Mrs Sunila Javed, with Alishba Moscropt, Meerab and Maneha Nabeel playing the central characters of ‘Mary’, ‘Joseph’ and ‘Gabriel’, respectively. The play started with four children talking about their experiences with younger children saying Jesus was different from other children they had come across.
The following scenes then depicted the Angel Gabriel’s visitations to Mary, the shepherds and the Magi’s travel, ending with a colour-slashed finale. The choir, led by Sr Marie Cecil, presented a series of carols between the scenes, and were immensely enjoyed by the audience. The guest of honour, Lahore Archdiocese Bishop Sebastian Shaw while congratulating the students and staff on their effort and hard work, said, “The play put forward an appropriate message. Christmas inspires us to be more generous in our daily lives. It gives a message of forgiveness, acceptance and tolerance and encourages us to spread peace in the world.” He urged the students to work hard at their studies and to be a source of pride for their families.
The principal, Sr Pilar, while thanking the students and parents for their cooperation in putting up the production, said, “The play gives students the opportunity to express themselves through performing.” Despite a few glitches in the sound system, the play was appreciated by the spectators, who especially lauded the carol singing and the characters’ costumes.
They said the play was one of the main highlights of the season and put them in the mood for the upcoming festival. They praised the quality of the production and said reliving the Christmas story through the play reminded them of the importance and essence of the festival. The play was attended by diplomats, members of the clergy, missionary organisations, students, their parents and the alumni. arents of the students.
