THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Bible Reading Planنموونە

The story of Christ’s birth is a gift for everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to welcome and love those who are different from us, just as He did. But sometimes, we fall into the trap of thinking in terms of "us" and "them." We forget that Jesus came for everyone, even those who don’t fit our expectations.

In the climactic scene of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, we finally see the Nativity, and it’s different from any year before. The Herdman kids shake up the traditional Christmas play in ways no one expects. The Herdman brothers—playing the Wise Men—bring a ham as their gift, a prized possession for them. Imogene doesn't wear the usual costume for Mary; she dresses in clothes from her own home, making her look more like a girl from the streets than the serene Mary from the paintings.

Everything the Herdmans do seems to break tradition. Yet, through their unconventional choices, they reveal the heart of the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph were poor and faced intense struggles. When Imogene cries while playing Mary, it’s an unexpected moment that touches the entire town. The Herdmans are experiencing the Christmas story for the first time, and in doing so, they bring a fresh and raw perspective that allows others to see it with new eyes. Their portrayal reminds us that Christmas is not about following traditions. It’s about understanding that Jesus came for everyone.

Beth, reflecting on the night, says, “Because of my mom and her understanding of the Christmas story, the Herdmans finally got what they needed most all along—a community. But they gave us something we needed all along too.”

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Have you ever encountered someone who didn’t fit into your idea of who belongs in the church? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
• How can you show love and acceptance to those who may seem different or challenging to connect with, following Jesus’ example of radical inclusivity?
• How can the story of the Herdmans encourage you to look past appearances and traditions to see the true message of Christmas?