During the Advent season, many Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Newark held traditional live nativities and pageants. In the midst of twinkling lights and festive decorations, the nativity drew students, teachers, and families together for the real meaning of Christmas.
A nativity play is a dramatic performance depicting Jesus Christ’s birth. The word “nativity” refers to the birth or the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. These plays often reenact the events described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
In addition to the main characters, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus in a manger, the narrative may also include other biblical figures and elements, such as King Herod and the journey of the Magi, and the shepherds and angels.
Nativity plays serve as a way to convey and celebrate the central story of the Christian faith—the birth of Jesus—while fostering a sense of community and sharing the Christmas spirit.
Here’s how Catholic schools around the Archdiocese have been celebrating the season.
At Notre Dame Academy in Palisades Park, all students participated in the Nativity Play under the direction of the school’s music director Ms. Stanzione.At Lacordaire Academy in Montclair, students performed “The Tale of Three Trees,” the traditional Christmas folktale depicting the unexpected and divinely ordained destinies of three trees—transformed into a manger, a fishing boat, and the beams of a cross—illustrating that God’s plan often surpasses human expectations.On Dec. 14, students in all grades at Academy of Our Lady in Glen Rock performed at the annual Christmas Pageant. Under the direction of 5th-grade homeroom teacher Mrs. Messler, and the help of music teacher Mr. Palmerini, the concert was a huge success.At St. John’s Academy in Hillsdale, students hosted a live Nativity featuring student actors and live farm animals at the school’s annual Advent Celebration. Corpus Christi School in Hasbrouck Heights hosted two Christmas plays – one starring Kindergarten students featuring their rendition of the Nativity story.At Corpus Christi School in Hasbrouck Heights, 8th grade students presented a Nativity play.Students at St. Leo School in Elmwood Park donned festive attire and reenacted the Nativity for an audience of family, friends, and faculty.Students across all grade levels at Saint Peter School in Belleville participated in its Christmas pageant and Nativity play.At Holy Trinity School in Westfield, a Christmas play took place featuring a reenactment of the Nativity story, as well as vocal performances by students.
