Covenant Academy puts on Christmas play

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

Skyler Hobbs guides his sleigh as Santa Claus with the help of reindeer, from left, Taylor Madewell, Nathan Steele and John Rigsby. (James Clark photos)

Skyler Hobbs sure makes a convincing Santa Claus, even if he is just three feet tall. The mini Santa came down the chimney, carried around a bag of gifts, and rode off in a reindeer-powered sleigh.

Those were just some of the highlights from a three-part Christmas play held Tuesday night at Covenant Fellowship Church. The play featured students from grades K-2 who attend the church’s school, Covenant Academy.

“The children did great,” said school director Earline Steakley. “We could tell such a big difference from the performance we did last year to this year the way they stepped up to the microphone and remembered their lines.”

The first scene told the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and ended with the baby lying in a manger flanked by Mary and Joseph.

The second scene featured singing from toddlers to pre-school students and included songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” “Little Turtle,” and “Up on the Rooftop.”

The third scene followed the classic poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” After a mouse scurried across the floor and fairies simulated visions of sugarplums, Santa came down the chimney with his bag of gifts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Steakley. “If we had any more people, we’d have to build a bigger sanctuary.”