The entire student body of Queen of Angels School gathered on Thursday, Dec. 21, to present the Christmas story in Scripture and song.

The program kicked off with the middle school band performing a collection of Christmas carols. The 30-minute presentation of the Christmas story began with the liturgical choir and audience members singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The student narration chronicled the biblical story starting with the Annunciation and following through to the birth of Christ. Each class participated in the program by singing appropriate carols to set the stage for each scene.

The highlight of the program was the live Nativity scene with 56 kindergarteners on stage in the roles of Mary and Joseph, the Christmas Star, wise men, kings, angels, shepherds, sheep, cows, donkeys and camels.

This program was developed and planned by staff members at the school, including Dave Thomasberger, liturgical choir director and music teacher, Robert Tolton, band director, and Rhetta Ascari, religion coordinator, along with many teachers and parent volunteers.

“This program brings to life the lessons of Advent and the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus as discussed in classes at every grade level at the school,” explained Ascari.

Dr. Kathy Wood, principal of Queen of Angels, noted, “It makes Christmas more meaningful for the children to participate in this type of celebration and involve the entire school community. They’re making memories that, I hope, will last a lifetime.”