Churches Unite To “Put Christ Back Into Christmas”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29695, 13 December 1961, Page 2

Churches Unite To “Put Christ Back Into Christmas”

The criticism that Christmas has become too commercialised is heard almost inevitably in Christian countries throughout the world at this time of the year. The worry and rush of shopping and end-of-year activities tend to divert attention from the real meaning of Christmas, it is said. In north-west Christchurch an interdenominational church group is making a united effort this year to “put Christ back into Christmas.’’

Roman Catholic, Methodist, Anglican. Baptist and Presbyterian churches in the district will jointly present an outdoor production of a nativity play, preceded by "carols by candlelight” at Jeilie Park on Sunday evening. The performance will be free to the public. About 80 members of these churches will take part in the play and in the choirs. "This Christmas effort has brought about a strong feeling of Christian unity among church people and others in the area,” one of the promoters said yesterday. "The co-operation has been wonderful and interest has come from as far as Burwood.” Wide Support The idea began as an "action” for the Christian Family Movement in the Burnside Roman Catholic parish. At first it was decided to hold open-eir carol singing by candlelight with a tableau in the background in quite a small way; but the idea expanded as other churches joined in the project with wholehearted support. Enthusiasm grew and shortage of production time became a minor problem as offers of practical help came in Costumes were borrowed

from amateur theatrical groups, though many had to be made. Old curtains, blankets and tablecloths were swept up for togas and other garments worn at the time of Christ's birth. Women in the audience on Sunday may recognise a favourite stole giving a touch of colour to a flowing robe fashioned from a sheet. Gaily-striped tea towels will become dignified headwear while dishes drain in a rack on kitchen benches. Well-washed garden scrim and sacks have become shepherd’s tunics. The halo look on the angels' heads will come from silver tinsel—the kind that gives sparkle to Christmas trees. Effect is what matters. The play will be enacted across a lake from the audience and no-one is likely to notice that the crowns worn by the "Three Kings” are made of cardboard or that the silver of the small angels’ wings came from tea-chest lining. All the costumes for about 30 players had to be produced within a matter of weeks. "It was a case of beg, borrow or make them ourselves,” said the wardrobe mistress yesterday. Costs had to be kept down to the barest minimum.

The programme will begin with carol-singing by candlelight at 830 pm. Tapers will be available for anyone who forgets to bring a candle'. The audience will be asked to extinguish their candles, however, before the play begins as a precaution against fire. A 50-voice choir from the various churches will lead the public carol-singing and will sing appropriate carols as an accompaniment during the performance of each act The play will be staged with narration, but the players themselves will not speak. Their message will be told in mime.