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As has been the tradition at IHMS for many years, the students performed the play twice that day in front of a live audience:
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Parents and relatives unable to attend the evening show were happy for the opportunity to attend the matinee performance, which was identical to the evening show but a lot less crowded. Both concerts took place in the school gymnasium, which had been set up with a large stage, bleachers, and professional lighting and sound equipment. |
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| The matinee performance was much less crowded than the evening show |
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The story begins on a crisp, clear night with 3 shepherds tending sheep on a hillside in Judea. One of the shepherds is hugging “Little Lamb” for warmth when two angels appear with information that a Savior has been born, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
The angels disappear and a magic flying ship appears in front of the three shepherds. A door opens, beckoning them inside. Realizing that it might take them to the newborn King, the shepherds and “Little Lamb” decide to enter. As it turns out, the shepherds and “Little Lamb” have entered a magical ship. The ship quickly transports them around the world where they meet various strange and wonderful animals.
Every time the magical ship transports the group to a different location, they meet new and interesting animals characteristic to the region.
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Each animal also gives a hint about the newborn Saviour by reciting a passage from the Bible, specifically a passage from the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a major prophet of the Old Testament who prophesied the coming of a Saviour, Jesus Christ, hundreds of years before it occurred.
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After each animal recites their passage from the Book of Isaiah, the shepherds use this information as a clue to explore different areas of the planet. The shepherds use their magical ship to transport themselves, and they ask each animal tp join them in their search for the newborn King.
When questioned about the newborn King, each animal recites a different quotation from Isaiah. Cuckoo recites Isaiah 40:3 “In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord”.
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Buffalo recites Isaiah 40:4-5 “Every valley will be lifted up and every mountain made low. There you will find the glory of the Lord”.
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Toucan recites Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walk in the land of darkness have seen a great light”.
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Penguin recites Isaiah 9:4 “His yoke is easy and his burden is light”.
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Kangaroo recites the words of Isaiah 11:1 “From Jesse’s family tree a branch will grow and bear fruit”
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Elephant recites the words of Isaiah 11: 6 “The wolf will live with the lamb, the lion will play with the calf, and a little Child will lead them all”.
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Lion recites the words of Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
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After meeting Lion, the shepherds end up travelling to the seven continents of the world in search of the newborn King. Amazingly, He was in their hometown of Bethlehem all the time.
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In the final scene, the flying ship transports everyone back to the inn in Bethlehem. There, not far from the fields where the star first appeared, the shepherds kneel before the newborn King, cradling “Little Lamb” in their arms. Since Jesus is symbolically referred to as the “Lamb of God”, the shepherds promise to guard the Christmas Lamb with faith, courage, and love.
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Finally, the travelling animals return to their continents – Cuckoo to Europe, Buffalo to North America, Toucan to South America, Penguin to Antarctica, Kangaroo to Australia, Elephant to Asia, and Lion to Africa – where they tell everyone the good news of Jesus’ birth.
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| The concert was very well received due to the hard work and dedication of a lot of people. Of course, the cast members spent a lot of time practising and memorizing their scripts. Remember, this is a big job for the cast members because they’re only in kindergarten to grade 3! For such tiny little actors, they did a fantastic job. |  |
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Also, a special note of thanks to the primary grade teachers, especially the school’s music teacher, Mrs. Stanowych, who organized the concert and prepared the students for all the songs.
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Special thanks also goes to the concert’s cast director, Mrs. Walkow. For the past few weeks, both Mrs. Walkow and Mrs. Stanowych sacrificed many hours practising with the students and perfecting the script. It was because of their dedication that the concert was such a great success!
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Professionally filmed DVD”s of “The Christmas Lamb” will be available for purchase through the school office in the new year.
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