This past weekend we took a family trip and drove to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to watch Sight and Sound Theatres’ Christmas production, Miracle of Christmas.
Synopsis of Miracle of Christmas
The show opens with Mary and Joseph at their betrothal celebration. Actors in Biblical costumes sing and dance to toe-tapping beats. But there are some at the celebration who are not happy. These Zealots complain of the Roman oppression on Israel. There’s a scene following in which the Zealots try to attack the Romans and this ends badly, with one man’s house burned to the ground. Mary still tries to faithfully follow God, even though God has been silent for more than four hundred years. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and brings her the exciting news that she is the mother of the Messiah. Mary runs to tell Joseph, and he doesn’t believe her.
Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and then later returns home to Nazareth. Mary’s welcome is anything but welcoming. The law says that if Mary is truly with child and is not married, she must be stoned. There’s a dramatic scene where Joseph comes running in to save her, and the two are reconciled with each other. Later, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, where they find that there is no room. Mary goes into labor, and Joseph in vain tries to find a place to them to stay. They end up in a stable, and there’s an intense scene as Mary struggles with giving birth. There’s a duel between Satan and the archangel, Michael, and though short lived, is a bit intense. Michael wins, and the baby is born. Shepherds and kings come to visit him, and the show ends in joyous song and celebration for the newborn savior.
Review
Miracle of Christmas is a heartwarming and joyous show. Filled with bright colors, joyful songs, and moving scenes, this show was enjoyable for the whole family. There were some intense and loud scenes, during which sensitive viewers might want to sit those out in the lobby or family room.
Violence
All of the fight scenes during this show were quick and family friendly.
Language
None. There is no foul or even coarse language.
Relationship/Morality
There are no relationships with concerning moralities, though Mary and Joseph’s relationship may strike up questions from younger viewers.
Magic or Spiritual Realms
There were a few scenes that were placed in heaven, with the angels. Angels also appeared multiple times during the show. There’s a fight scene between Satan and Michael, but it is over very quickly.
Intense Scenes
As stated above, there’s a scene in which Satan is depicted trying to make Jesus’ birth even more painful for Mary, and the lights go red, and the scene becomes intensified. But just as quickly as Satan comes in, Michael appears and with a thrust from his fiery sword, blasts Satan away and Jesus is born.
Positive Messages
The whole story is about one of the most important stories in history: the birth of Jesus Christ. You see many characters touched by Christ’s coming to earth, and the scenes are very moving. It’s humbling to think that the King of heaven and earth would come down to earth through a lowly Nazarene girl and be born in a stable. It shows just how much He truly loves us.
- Ages 4-6: The whole show is meant to be family friendly, but there are some parts that may be sensitive for younger viewers
- Ages 7-8: Recommended
- Ages 9-10: Recommended
- Ages 11-12: Recommended
- Ages 13-15: Recommended
- Ages 16-18: Recommended
Interested in watching this spectacular show but can’t make the drive? From December 1-3, you can watch Miracle of Christmas on Sight and Sound tv! Check this video out for more information.
See our latest reviews here. Or check out our self-published wholesome books we are bringing to young readers here.