FRACKVILLE - Growing up as part of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sarah Halupa, 11, said she got the opportunity to see the Christmas story from a few perspectives.
"I've been at this church for a while now. I've been a member since I was a baby, I guess. And I've been in this Christmas play since I was 3. I've played a villager and I've played an angel, but I was never Mary before," Halupa said.
More than 150 people were on hand in the West Oak and South Second streets church for the annual Christmas Pageant to enjoy the story of the first Christmas as told by the parish children in period costumes.
The best part, according to Halupa: "You get to be with all the kids with the church."
It's been a tradition at the church since 2004, according to the newspaper's archives.
Two parents, Tanya Meridionale and Donna Spotts, organized this year's show, with help from volunteers, including the Rev. Roman Pitula, pastor.
"We were expecting at least 100, but weren't sure with the weather," Meridionale said.
Key performers in Sunday's show included Meridionale's son, John, 10, who played Joseph, and the three wise men, portrayed by Meridionale's son, Nicholas, 8; Gavin Sutton, 8; and Spotts' son, Michael, 8.
When Gavin Sutton was told he was representing the wise man who presented frankincense at the manger, he admitted he wasn't sure what frankincense was.
"It's like incense," Tanya Meridionale said.
According to Merriam-Webster online: "a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus - Boswellia of the family Burseraceae - of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia, that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming."
Student musicians from North Schuylkill High School, Fountain Springs, a seven-member brass band, was set up in the church choir loft and performed tunes including "Angels From the Realms of Glory" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful."
The show began at 4 p.m. It was followed by a reception in the church hall, featuring dishes donated by church members, including Joe and Joyce Reba.
"We brought ham and home-made baked beans. We baked a whole ham and sliced it," Joyce Reba said.