The 3rd cycle group prepared a play about Jesus to present to the other children. Jesus is the second Divine Revelation. The Ten Commandments were the first one; received by Moses. Spiritism is the third revelation.
Text taken from BIS (Boletim Informativo Seara) - nr. 22, September 2002
The play began with Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem, because that was census time. Mary was pregnant, and they walked slowly.
The narrator wore a bear, a simple tunic and sandals. He was located at the corner of the stage; he then said:
- Census is a procedure of acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, but grew up in Palestine.
A boy soon appeared in the stage, learning to make wooden furniture: chairs, benches and tables.
- Jesus was a studious boy, obedient, polite, who helped his mother in household chores and learned to be a carpenter like his father - the boy-narrator told us.
The next scene showed Jesus as an adult, beard with long hair, surrounded by many people, saying:
- Love one another.
He then told a story that talked about a lesson in love and charity: the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The twelve apostles were with him:
- Andrew, Judas, Matthew, John, James the Greater, and James the Lesser, Philip, Thaddeus, Thomas, Bartholomew, Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot. They are my friends and will then teach the message of love and peace from my father for several places in the world. - Jesus said.
Jesus then went up into a higher place and taught us:
- Blessed are the meek, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted...
And the people followed Jesus, listening intently to what he said. He healed a lame man and many others. Then a boy said, very seriously:
- Not all people understood Jesus’ lessons of peace and love; some thought he wanted to be king. They persecuted and condemned Jesus to death. He was crucified because this was one of the ways to condemn people to death at that time.
Meanwhile, Jesus passed by at the rear of the stage, carrying a heavy cross.
A moment of silence; soft background music should be played on the background. Jesus appears, along with the apostles.
– It’s only Jesus’ physical body that died. His spirit lives on. He appeared in spirit to the apostles and his friends, proving that life continues in spirit after the death of the body - the child-narrator explained to us.
Finally, all the children spoke:
- Jesus left us lessons of love, forgiveness, peace and charity. We should follow these lessons every day.
The play was applauded and we were all thrilled to see the children are learning and conveying the message of Jesus.
It was Christmas week. The city was all decked out. Paul was delighted with that toy store window. There was a huge doll in the middle, which represented a smiling Santa Claus, dressed in his featured clothes. But the clothes were of different fabric; with a special glow. This created a beautiful showcase, attracting everyone’s attention.
(Vera Verônica N. Cavalcanti)
The boy admired the window, and went on the road. He turned left and went through another store. This was a simpler one, but presented a memorable scene: the birth of Jesus, the manger, the cradle of straw, the boy and his mother lying on her knees, staring at him. There were dolls nearby, representing the pastors, and others that represented the animals. It was a simple manger, without much detail, but in the middle it showed the prime motive: Jesus, the day is reborn among men.
Paul went home and started thinking. There were two windows, two images: Santa Claus and Jesus. What's the difference?
He was a small boy, but observed a lot. His family was not rich, but he knew that his father could buy some of those toys that he saw with Santa Claus. But his house maid Tanya... Certainly not. She had five children, lived in a distant suburb, and probably the money she earned could only afford food for the family.
Paul then remembered the other shop window; the crib. It was simple and the young boy was represented there in a cradle of straw... No lights, no colour; only the starry sky and the air of worship of all who watched.
He then discovered the difference. Christmas is not about Santa Claus, not toys. Christmas is celebrating the birthday of Jesus, who, as perfect model, showed men happiness, living in humility and love; eternal goods that will remain with us.
(Text excerpted from "O Melhor é Viver em Família" 12º Fascículo,
Edições CELD - Rio de Janeiro - 1996
In a December afternoon, Larissa found her mother in the kitchen, busy cooking Christmas Dinner. She asked how the preparations were and the mother replied, distracted:
Text taken from BIS (Boletim Informativo Seara), nr. 13, December/1999
- Christmas only gives me work! There are many people for supper, too much food to prepare and the house must be shining! I'm always tired at Christmas.
Larissa went thoughtfully. She entered the room when her sister arrived full of gift packages, complaining loudly:
- I don’t like Christmas! The money is never enough to buy so many gifts! And I had no time to choose my new dress for the party!
The girl was saddened by her sister’s words. She then turned on the TV to distract herself. She saw many advertisements on Christmas gifts, Santa Claus, parties and clothes. None of them was about Jesus, the birthday boy. She turned off the TV and went to the balcony where her father was. She then asked:
- Dad, what's going on? Nobody remembers Jesus at Christmas! Everyone only talk about Santa Claus, parties, gifts!
- This is happening because people forgot the meaning of Christmas - her father said.
On this date we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. We meet with family and friends, in loving and peaceful meetings. We should show affection to people in a sincere manner, without exaggerating on gifts and parties. And thank God for the gifts He gives us every day: our family, friends, nature, our life. We should also think about whether we are living the teachings of Jesus. When He was on earth he taught to love and forgive others, to be charitable, humble, friendly, and do only good. You know what is to do good, daughter?
- Yes I know - Larissa said. To do good things is to visit someone who is sick, to not fight, and to always tell the truth.
- That's right. We must also help with household chores, caring for animals, help care for younger siblings, obey our parents and teachers, study, as Jesus taught.
Larissa kissed him, thanking for the valuable lesson. She then decided to tell her mother and sister what she had learned about Christmas.