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Writer's pictureCindy Clarkin

Keeping "Christ" in Christmas

Updated: Dec 16, 2019

I am rejoicing today as I think about all that God did yesterday in and through the RI HOPE students and their families to bless both residents and employees on Brookdale Centre of New England.


We arrived early to practice and set up as you can see here with Samuel's practice of the "Christmas" Acrostic.

Our main presentation was performed by the students in the Young Speakers Guild (Phase 1 and 2) entitled, "The Tale of Three Trees", written by Angela Elwell Hunt and directed by the David, Olivia and Rachel.

It is a story about three trees who dream of what they may become. Each of them is disappointed with what they are created into by the woodcutters and carpenters.


But when God uses each one in a special way to bless Jesus, they each finally see that they have served a greater purpose and they rejoice.


Josiah introduced this presentation by saying, "This parable teaches us that even the smallest things can be used for God’s amazing plan".



There were also traditional Christmas stories and poems.


Colby and Daniel recited "Twas the Night Before Christmas"


One of the newest student leaders of RI HOPE, Christy, age 15, was the Young Communicators for Christ (YCC) Master of Ceremonies. She did an amazing job introducing each performer and helping them confidently take the platform.







The little ones really stole the show.


Leah, age 8, recited "Snowball" by Shel Silverstein.











Emma, age 6, recited "A Song Was Heard" by Timothy Dudley-Smith.












Camron, age 7, sang "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer".












Several YCC students practiced their joke telling skills to the delight of the audience.


Christopher, age 11, had a half a dozen jokes up his sleeve.









Nick, age 8, and Jacob, age 11 did a stand up comic routine that was top notch.


I'm still chuckling today.






Olivia was in charge of the musical portion of the program. She led several traditional Christmas Carols....

...and she organized the piano players.




Jonathan played "I Saw Three Ships".....







..Daniel played "O Come all Ye Faithful"...




...and Bella played "Carol of the Bells".




Other music included "O Holy Night" sung by Christy, Rachel and Olivia.



Christy sang a solo entitled, "Noel" by Chris Tomlin.


One of the highlights of the RI HOPE Christmas Presentation was a humorous duo interpretation by Will and Ben entitled "Giant Grummer's Christmas" by William Dana Street.

After the performance, RI HOPE students and families gave out Christmas cards and visited with the residence. It was sweet to see the interactions. Lots of hand shaking.


I am so thankful for all the hard work and creativity that went into the 2019 RI HOPE Chapter Christmas Presentation. I am so blessed to see the impact these extraordinary students are making on our community. They are keeping Christ in Christmas by loving Christ and loving others.


We hope to have the video of this event on our media page soon.

The students of RI HOPE meet weekly at the Louttit Library in West Greenwich

to be mentored in life skills that will equip them to be influential leaders in the community. The RI HOPE Chapter Christmas Presentation is just one of the many ways

that we reach out to serve and bless others.

Contact Cindy.Clarkin@ICCinc.org to find out more about RI HOPE.



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