Nativity, Christmas music take center stage at Missouri Capitol
CLICK HERE to see a gallery of photos from this event.
Waves of children and adults passed back and forth through the doors of the Missouri State Capitol as carols and hymns ascended and spilled out onto the neighboring byways.
It was the 10th annual Nativity at the Capitol celebration, sponsored by 40 Days for Life Columbia and the Team P.L.A.Y. faith-based effort to end abortion in Missouri.
About 400 students from local schools took turns providing four hours of Christmas music on the Capitol steps and inside the Capitol Rotunda.
They included: the St. Peter Preschool in Jefferson City; Our Lady of the Snows School in Mary’s Home; St. Peter School in Jefferson City; Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City; St. Martin School in St. Martins; St. Joseph School in Westphalia; St. Thomas the Apostle School in St. Thomas; Immanuel Lutheran School in Honey Creek; St. Francis Xavier School in Taos; and St. Joseph Cathedral School in Jefferson City; along with fifth-graders and the high school and middle school bands from Eugene High School and Bob and Sheila Thompson of the Rusty Strings ensemble.
Each group of performers outside the Capitol stood next to a substantial Nativity scene set up on the Capitol steps.
Groups of parents from each school gathered around the outdoor steps, then filed into the Capitol Rotunda, where another Nativity was set up on a stage filled with greenery and lights.
“Thank you for coming. We all remember the reason for the season — which is Jesus,’” said Kathy Forck, campaign director for Columbia 40 Days for Life and co-coordinator of Team P.L.A.Y.
“What an honor it is to share the joy of Christ, the true meaning of Christmas, through the gift of music,” a representative of Helias Catholic stated on the school’s Facebook page.
“We heard many positive comments from community members about their performance,” a representative of Our Lady of the Snows School stated over social media. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to share our voices!”
One woman stopped when she saw the children outside, noticed the Nativity, and parked her car to find out what was happening.
She was delighted to see the Nativity scene and to know that another one was inside the Capitol and that the children would also be performing inside after asking permission if she could go inside the Capitol.
“Of course,” she was told, “It’s your Capitol!”
“You can be a saint”
Sixth-graders from St. Thomas the Apostle School gathered in a side gallery after taking their turn on the steps and in the Rotunda.
“We sang at the capitol,” said Isabella.
“We did it to inspire people and have a good time with them,” said Cadyn.
“And to spread the Christmas cheer,” said Isabella.
“Because we’re Catholic and we like singing,” Jacob added.
“I feel happy singing for other people,” said Mara, a student at St. Joseph School in Westphalia.
Lucas, a first-grader at St. Francis Xavier School, said he liked singing Christmas songs in the Capitol.
“Because you spread God’s word,” he said.
“It spreads God’s love,” said first-grader Ellie.
“That’s what you’re supposed to do, and you can be a saint,” said Cameron.
“It gets people closer to God if they don’t know about him yet,” said Wyatt.
