Ibrány Children's Program

Sunday evening we enjoyed attending church in Ibrány which included their children's Christmas program. As usual, the building was packed full of people.  Many stood for the entire service since there was not room to seat everyone. The children's program began with many of the children praying a prayer.  Some of them said the Lord's prayer, some a simple blessing on the people in attendance, but what was especially touching was the powerful, heart-felt prayers of some of the teenagers.

Next, many of the older children recited poems and read short stories.  Later we learned that one of the main participants was in the hospital and several of the other children had to take her parts at the last minute, but it ran very smoothly and we didn't notice anything out of order.  This was followed by a "Bethlehem," a nativity play.  It was lots of fun to be sitting on the front row where we could see behind the angels singing as "Mary" took the pillow out from under her blouse and placed the Baby Jesus doll in the manger. 

Finally, all the children and teenagers sang some Christmas songs and worship songs.  Hungarian children are not bashful singers.  Even the little ones sang out clearly and well.