Alliance Music Publications AMP5001 Strange Places (Christmas Pageant) for SATB Choir

The intent is to raise awareness of the ‘strange places’ in which and through which God makes Godself known. These may well be places in the mind or heart as well as physical spaces. The stable itself was just this kind of unexpected place.

The pageant is designed to be presented in the worship space of a church during worship; and a simple set is put in place at the beginning and removed at the conclusion. This action first obscures and then reveals the altar, drawing attention to worship and the church as two more of these ‘strange places’ of meeting with God.

The actors are seated in their regular Sunday places among the congregation and/or choir. As they are about to participate, they rise and don the simple symbolic costume they are to wear. With this action they also put on the personality of whom they are to play. The ‘strange places’ in which God comes to us can often be the lives of people right around us. As further emphasis, the actors return to the congregation or choir, when their part is completed, quietly removing their costume.

The traditional story is told through narration and reading of scripture, with music and lyrics serving as a commentary. The singing explores possible thoughts and responses of the characters and assists viewers and participants in making connections between the story and their own spiritual journeys.