The cast of the pageant has finished the final rehearsal and awaits their costumes. The Cathedral of the Incarnation's Church School children presented a Christmas Pageant entitled "The Messenger" at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve. The troupe played to a full church which enjoyed the presentation immensely. The pageant's main story was the birth of Jesus and included The Annunciation of Jesus' birth to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel, Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary's trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the shepherds and the Three Kings from the Orient.

Deacon Connie Lorenz, Director of Christian Formation, and Mrs. Charles Janoff produced and directed the pageant. They received a lot of support from the Church School parents. Mr. Alistair Nelson, Associate Organist and Choirmaster at the Cathedral assisted the children with the musical parts of the presentation. The pageant brought the Christmas story to life for the participants and even the youngest actors and actresses learned a lot about their faith.

Some of the shepherds get the word from the angel trainer Lindsay Lewis that it's time to welcome the Baby Jesus. For further information about the Cathedral of the Incarnation and its programs for all ages, check the website at www.incarnationgc.org or call Deacon Connie in the church office at 746-2955.

"Hey," says angel Jennifer, "where did the host of angels go without me?" The heavenly host of angels prepares to soar up from the Cathedral Undercroft to announce the birth of the Christ Child. Alistair Nelson, associate organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral, rehearses the girls who volunteered to lend their voices to the pageant. Christine Scott helps the shepherds get costumes fitted. The shepherds gather their flock before their visit to the manger. The Three Kings arrive to visit the Infant Jesus guided by the Star of the East. Mary and Joseph are ready for the action packed performance. Baa baa! This is one fuzzy sheep! Shh angels warn the pageant mothers! You have to wait until it is time to announce Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The congregation supported the pageant by singing the familiar Christmas carols. Mary is helped into her cape for the trip to Bethlehem. Rachel, Jessie and Emma warm up for the choral part of the pageant.