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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 24 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
by Sue NewbyCHILDREN were encouraged to 'get inside' the nativity story at St Mary's Church, Banbury in the run up to Christmas.
Walk Amongst the Christmas People encouraged youngsters from Years Five and Six in schools across the town to see Mary, Joseph and the other characters as ordinary people who experienced extraordinary things. The children began in the stable, with Mary unable to sleep, thinking of home and family back in Nazareth.
Joseph was also having a restless night's sleep.
In small groups the children were then invited to explore a variety of themes: Mary's bad hair day (Mary and the angel. ): The long and winding road (the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem): The wisdom of the ages (the three wise men): and The shepherd's surprise. Each of these sessions was followed by an activity to help reinforce the learning.
The events ended with the flight to Egypt with Mary, Joseph and young Jesus driven out of their homeland, seeking refuge from Herod.
These events have been running for five years and the nativity event is followed up in the spring term when children will Walk Amongst People who met Jesus and in the summer term Walking Amongst People who Wanted to Change the World. If you would like more information about how you can use this material in your schools or churches, please contact: s. newby9@outlook. com. The Revd Sue Newby is a former Primary School headteacher.