We’re off the see the Baby, the Wonderful Baby of God! We hear He is the Prince of Peace, if ever a Prince there was. If ever oh ever a Prince there was, the Baby of God is one because, Because, because, because, because, because… Because of the wonderful things He does! We’re off to see the Baby, the Wonderful Baby of God!

Children's Christmas Program

If a person ever needs a boost in the Christmas season, go to a SJA Children’s Christmas Program.  It will restore your faith in God, recreate the sense of wonder of the child in you and remind you why Jesus’ birthday is an important part of the Christian faith.  

Having never attended an SJA children’s Christmas program, I really didn’t know what to expect.  I didn’t think I came with expectations, but in hindsight, I guess I did and this program far outweighed anything I could have imagined.

Not only did I see young preschool and school age children (ages 5-12 years old) display such courage and poise on the stage, but I heard some of the most unique Christmas songs imaginable.  “We’re OFF to see the Baby, the wonderful baby of God!!!” 

Sing that to the tune of The Wizard of Oz and you’ll get a feel for the kind of surprise and unanticipated fun that I experienced! 

Ding Dong it’s Christmas time, ..
Celebrate, the Baby’s born…
Ding dong it’s Christmas time again…!

Shannon Pierce, one of the co-creators of the event stated, “We were thrilled with how it came together and couldn't have been more proud of all the children.” There was choreography, a puppet/ventriloquist, costumes, singing, sign language, solos, duets and lots of wonderful energy that only young children can bring.

It was so touching to be reminded, through real life stories, of how important it is for all of us to be kind.  To do what’s right and remember to always have a heart to use your brain and to have the nerve!!!!  Sound trivial on Christmas?  I don’t think so.  Every single day we all are faced with decisions… to follow Jesus and His example of how to care for each other as God intended or to follow our own path?  Which road do we walk down? Maybe the juxtaposition of the Wizard of Oz and the message of Christmas is more profound than one thinks.  Maybe the yellow brick road is a wonderful analogy for staying on the path of God and using compassion; discernment and courage along the way, And, maybe it doesn’t hurt to be reminded to use your brain, have a heart and have the nerve!

I THANK GOD I HAVE A BRAIN I can while away the hours, conferrin’ with the flowers, consulting with the rain. And my head I am scratchin’ while my thoughts are busy hatchin’ I thank God I have a brain Oh I, can tell you why God’s love can turn the tide. I can tell you why he’s always by our side I wouldn’t lie, it’s verified I am nice to every creature, And that includes my teacher The reason is so plain I will say this reminder You go farther when you’re kinder I thank God I have a brain

I THANK GOD I HAVE A HEART I am tender, I am gentle And awful sentimental, regarding love and art. I am friends with the sparrows and the boy that shoots the arrows. I thank God I have a heart God’s love will show the way He guides us every day And he teaches us to help someone in need And we should heed, His word indeed! When I show I have compassion It’s always right in fashion And sets me right apart When I show I am caring By the way I’m always sharing I thank God I have a heart

I THANK GOD I HAVE THE NERVE I am strong and I’m heroic But really kind of stoic, And yet I’m here to serve. In my heart I am feelin’ Lots of love for every bein’ I thank God I have the nerve Oh I, can tell you why The truth wins over lies If you stand up for what’s right you will go far You’ll be a star, You know you are! Oh, it’s great to be courageous, It really is contagious, when others can observe When you show you are daring But you also can be caring I thank God I have the nerve

After hearing the boys and girls sing their hearts out and watching them perform on stage, I can tell you that I for one have become more inspired to BELIEVE again! Not only in the Christ Child, but in myself and the hope in all of God’s children! Thank you boys and girls, Rachel and Shannon and all of the parents and community members who worked so hard and practiced over and over again, to give one of the best Children’s Christmas programs ever!  You have all shown the divine within you and within us all...

If you believe, within your heart you’ll know That no one can change, the path that you must go Believe in your heart, and use your brains and might You have the courage, to do what’s right Believe there’s a reason to be Believe in God’s plan for you And when you’re kind and you care And use your brains, your dreams come true Believe in yourself, right from the start You have the brains, you have the heart You have the courage to last your whole life through If you believe in yourself If you believe in yourself If you believe in yourself, as God believes in you.

Postscript: This event didn’t just come together magically. The participants rehearsed the show for 6 weeks with one rehearsal every week, on Sunday morning from 10:30-11:30. There was a blocking rehearsal, a dress rehearsal and then the performance. The kids were all given rehearsal CD's with the songs and they practiced their music at home. We heard from many a parent that those CD's got plenty of use! One family had a road trip to Chicago and listened to the CD for hours. One parent said her child listened to it for up to 3 hours a day!

If anyone wants to join the Cast Party on Saturday, January 7th from 6:30 – 8pm @ SJA, they will be viewing the video of the performance and celebrating a job well done! All are welcome!!!

and

MarySue Hansen has been a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc for over 11 years. She lives in St. Paul and treks over to S. Mpls every Sunday Morning for 9 o'clock mass, community and spiritual renewal. She lives and breathes community, loves children, and believes strongly in the power of collective learning and action. She is the Director of a collaborative community working to improve protective factors for children in Suburban Ramsey County.

About the SJA Children’s Program Staff and Contributions:
Rachael Kroog and Shannon Pierce have been involved with the Children's Holiday program for 4 years now. Rachael and Shannon wrote "The Wonderful Baby of God". Shannon Pierce re-lyriced the songs, was the musical director and played piano for the show. Rachael directed the show and played the roles of Squeaky and the Wizard of Oz.

View the printed program with credits in pdf format.