New Hope Church Christmas Program

The morning service included the children playing the Handbells.

Kate and Nick had their moment in the spotlight too!

My father's article in Milestones in the Clinton Daily Democrat:

The Christmas lights and decorations throughout the region are spectacular this year. One, in particular, is the Houk Family Christmas Lighting Display located at the residence. This is 501 South Orchard St., a block south of West Ohio St. Christmas is 10 days away. In the meantime, Christmas Pageants taking place in area churches and some schools. Three of our grandchildren, who are also the grandchildren of Rev. and Mrs. Jerry Kazmaier of Clinton, participated in a Christmas Pageant at their church in the Liberty area over the weekend. Jonathan, 5, was a shepherd. Nicholas, 4, fulfilled the role of a donkey. Come to think of it, his mother, Emily, was a donkey, too, some 25 years ago, during a Holy Rosary School Christmas Pageant. This would make Nicholas a second generation donkey. And Kate, 3, portrayed a little lamb. Think back, you, too, were most probably in a Christmas Pageant many years ago. What role did you fulfill? Perhaps it wasn’t the role you wanted. This brings us to Nicholas, 4, when he was informed his role was to be a donkey during the pageant and particularly, the manger scene. He promptly informed his mother, “I don’t want to be a donkey.” He insisted, “Why can’t I be a pirate.” “Nicholas,” there aren’t any pirates in Christmas pageants.” “Why?” Good question. Perhaps pirates could be written into a Christmas Pageant script. The premise could be a pirate ship raid along the coast of Judea with the pirates foraging inland and encircling Bethlehem. They encounter the three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem and, at the point of their swords, take their gold, frankincense and myrrh along with clothes, all personal possessions and camels…leaving the Magi afoot and without any resources. The pirates then sense a blessed event is about to occur. Visited by St. Michael the Archangel, who is carrying a 50-foot Jedi Knight Light Saber, the pirates have a change of heart, restore everything to the Three Wise Men, and travel to the manger to witness the blessed event and appear in the closing tableau. This would be an interesting twist to your traditional Christmas Pageant. One thing for sure, those in attendance would be talking about the performance for years to come. If you had a choice, would you rather be a donkey or a pirate?