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Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, l honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer For Mennonites, Christmas still a matter of simple gifts [PHOTO SOURCE: https://share.google/images/IUaecKzEK0QcPULfU ..... https://www.baltimoresun.com/2015/12/24/for-mennonites-christmas-still-a-matter-of-simple-gifts/] https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/12/weihnachtsoratorium-jauchzet-frohlocket.html |
For this year’s 2025 Christmas celebration, I will post about how different Amish-Mennonite churches preach the Christmas Gospel Message and sing in their choirs. If you see the Shippensburg Christian Fellowship Christmas Program, they are very creative, I will comment more below….
First, let me post this Amish Children’s Christmas Program, written by Susan Hougelman from Simple Life in New Wilmington Pa:
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When a newborn comes into the world, the father and mother themselves may experience a renewal of inner growth. Every baby should turn us to the mystery of the birth of Jesus whereby an entirely new beginning is made through the Holy Spirit. — Eberhard Arnold https://www.eberhardarnold.com/explore/all-articles/2019/12/03/new-birth Old Order Amish children and youth singing christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder). [PHOTO SOURCE: https://amishamerica.com/5-ways-the-amish-celebrate-christmas/] |
Today is our Amish Children’s Christmas Program:
The children have spent weeks memorizing and practicing their lines. Mamm and Datt and the older Kinna have been helping. The little schoolhouse will be filled with parents, grandparents and siblings who have all come to see their boys and girls sing and recite their special poems. The coal stove is lit, the schoolhouse is decorated with all of the pretty colored pictures the children have made, the teacher is as nervous as the children, hoping they all do well! Here we go! We are ready to begin our program!
Harvey (age 6)
I'm the first one in the program
It's the most important part
For you wouldn't have a program
If you didn't have a start
Andy (age 7)
Well! I am glad to see you here!
I have a piece to say,
But all I've done is practice it
to empty seats each day.
So here it is, now that you're here:
We welcome you today.
We want you all to feel at home
Now did I do okay?
Rachael (age 7)
Christmas Thanks
We always remember, I hope, to say a "Thank you much"
For all our Christmas presents, Books, dolls, skates and such.
And so I'm thinking now
of the great thanks we owe
For that wondrous gift of God
The first Christmas long ago.
Eli (age 7)
My Mamm says that every time
I'm cross or rude or play
an extra game it makes her hair
Turn a little bit more gray
But when my Mamm was a little girl
She must have been a fright
For dear old Grandmother's hair
is absolutely white!
Sylvia (Age 10) (This one started my tears flowing)
Christmas Prayer
Dear Father up in Heaven
Upon this Christmas night
I fear there are some children
Whose Christmas is not bright
For there are some who sorrow
and there are some who sight
Now such as these Dear Father
The Christmas may pass by.
If there are any children
In barren rooms or drear
Whose little empty stockings
Hold not a sign of cheer
O, Father send the Christ Child
Into these hearts so sad,
And may His living presence
Make their Christmas Season Glad.
David (age 
I made my mother a present
to give to her on Christmas Day
I took a piece of plywood
and turned it up this way.
I pasted on a picture
Nailed on a writing pad
Drilled a hole to hang it up
and tied on a pencil I had
I wrapped it up real pretty
It only cost me 15 cents
But I can't tell you what it is
because Mother is in the Audience.
Lydia (age 9 )Holding a cut out sign that says JOY
I've heard it said that Joy's a word
that when taken letter by letter
Can make us understand just how
such a small word can make things better
The J of course is for JESUS
The O, why that means OTHERS
the Y, means YOU come last yourself
after all your sisters and brothers.
So when you're putting Jesus first
In everything you do
Then it really is now wonder
that others see JOY in you!
I will share just two more because they are so touching!
Esther (age 10)
God So Loved the World
Our Father up in Heaven
Long, long years ago
Looked down on His great mercy
Upon the Earth below
And saw the folks were lonely
And lost in deep despair
And so He said, "I'll send my son
To walk among them there.
So they can hear Him speaking
And feel His nearness too,
And see the many miracles
That faith alone can do.
For if man really sees Him
Can touch His healing hand
I know it will be easier
To believe and understand.
And so the Holy Christ Child
Came down to live on Earth
and that is why we celebrate
His Holy Wondrous Birth
And that is why at Christmas
The world becomes aware
That Heaven may seem far away
But God is everywhere!
Andy (age 10)
How can we celebrate Christmas
In a world so troubled and torn
Where men who were made in His image
Are forgetting that Jesus was born?
Born to bring peace where there's conflict
Born to bring love where there's hate
Born to die for the sinner
And open the heavenly Gates
To all who will kneel before Him
Who was born in a humble stall
To all who will stop and listen
And come when they hear Him call
Oh, how can we celebrate Christmas
Today on this war-torn Earth?
By living for Him and sharing with others
The good news of HIs birth!
Their sweet little pink stained cheeks, as they put their hands in their pockets and nervously pace... but oh they look so happy when they've finished saying their parts.
The Amish children sing sweet Christmas carols and songs and then the program is over. Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief and let the fun begin! Parents have brought goodies for all to share and the teacher has planned games for the children to play all afternoon. There is candy, and sweets for everyone. Each child has chosen a name of another child, and gifts are exchanged. They are sometimes as much, as the child will receive on Christmas day. New fabric for dresses, a little cedar chest with a picture of a wolf or buck, a new knife, a little trash can with pretty flowers and their names stenciled upon them...the teacher also gifts each child with a special present and in return the parents of the children have brought gifts for the teacher including financial blessings for her this Christmas.
Ahhh it is so beautiful to witness the simplicity and the beauty and the love poured into an Amish School Christmas Program.
I hope you were able to feel a part of this wonderful day too.
God Bless You friends and Merry Christmas
from the Amish Children in New Wilmington, Pa
Susan Hougelman
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Those who would be born of God must be mindful of how Christ’s birth took place. All birth from God happens as it did with Christ. When the Word is heard and when it is received, then faith is sealed with the Holy Spirit. — Eberhard Arnold https://www.eberhardarnold.com/explore/all-articles/2019/10/14/the-motherly-spirit New Order Amish children and youth singing christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder). [PHOTO SOURCE: https://amishamerica.com/amish-children-sing-christmas-carols/] |
MY THOUGHTS ON THE AMISH-MENNONITE CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:
I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God. - Johann Sebastian Bach
I love listening to both the preaching and singing of the Amish-Mennonites, they have beautiful voices and preach very good sermons. As they have large families, that is why they can recruit more people with spiritual gifts.
The Shippensburg Christian Fellowship was very creative in their Christmas Program. They have Christmas storytelling, musical family groups, both children and treble choirs. But the one which I find the most creative of them all is the one at 34:23 of the video, where Micah W was happy to announce that he was able to sing with his sons, grandsons and sons-in-law. Wow!
Do enjoy the videos and have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
Christmas Program 2025
Shippensburg Christian Fellowship
Dec 22, 2025
SCF - Evening Christmas Program 12-21-2025
VIDEO SOURCE:
https://www.youtube.com/live/DswC0kWTP3w?si=8OJtHOHgv58MnYCS
Weihnachtspredigt:
The Wonder of Christmas
Gary Martin / December 21, 2025 / Sunday Morning
VIDEO SOURCE: https://salemmennonite.church/sermon/the-wonder-of-christmas/
https://youtu.be/rRr2Ps29sDU?si=TJkCZu_tVrqzDpQB
FULL-SERVICE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/live/w3DfNM0C1Ec?si=jwej7FkeBqPw0Loe
Sermon - Michael Zimmerman
Preacher: Michael Zimmerman Categories: Sunday Morning Services Location: Blue Ball Mennonite Church, 143 Ewell Road, Blue Ball, Pennsylvania, 17506
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/zxyhhCQLbWs?si=62pBTtGElWiWkJTv
White Christmas- Glenn Miller
Dec 21, 2025
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/Oee-wVF52bg?si=rva1KbJzDNDi1mck
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Mennonite children singing christmas carols Weihnachtskantate (Christmas cantata). [PHOTO SOURCE: https://share.google/images/YwLLloypWHM1n67Ii ..... https://www.baltimoresun.com/2015/12/24/for-mennonites-christmas-still-a-matter-of-simple-gifts/] |
Weihnachten chor Links:
Christmas Program (2025)
Dec 8, 2025
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/4MsXOYPWWRU?si=OPdmJ96nhEm6MpRz
Christmas Hymn Sing
Dec 22, 2025
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/8xtG8ml8mno?si=e4jmuC3OOXDW6ikF
Christmas Program 2025
Shippensburg Christian Fellowship
Dec 22, 2025
SCF - Evening Christmas Program 12-21-2025
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/DswC0kWTP3w?si=Y3PEyMrIi7mM34I_
Pequea Christian School Christmas Program 2025
Dec 23, 2025
VIDEO SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/live/aKKFHL5VQHE?si=sFvt-WmbW3Ia-OCN
https://amishamerica.com/do-amish-celebrate-christmas/
https://amishamerica.com/amish-christmas-cards-canada-carols/
https://amishamerica.com/the-three-amish-christmases/
https://amishamerica.com/amish-children-sing-christmas-carols/
https://amishamerica.com/5-ways-the-amish-celebrate-christmas/
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/us-woman-moved-to-germany
MUSIC CAMP LINKS:
I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God. - Johann Sebastian Bach
Weihnachtsoratorium - Jauchzet, frohlocket! Auf, preiset die Tage, BWV 248 I
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/12/weihnachtsoratorium-jauchzet-frohlocket.html
Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children's education.
- Yo-Yo Ma
Shenandoah Christian Music Camp strengthens communities with biblically-rooted music and worship resources. Our vision is to see disciples whose music-making reflects Jesus. While we focus on Anabaptist groups, our programs are open to all Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ.
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/04/introducing-shenandoah-christian-music.html
https://www.facebook.com/shenandoahchristianmusiccamp
https://www.youtube.com/@BrandenbergerFamily/featured
Learn all there is to learn, and then choose your own path. - George Frideric Handel
HANDEL’S MESSIAH (PREMIERED ON APRIL 13, 1742)
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/04/handels-messiah-premiered-on-april-13.html
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. - Revelation 11:15 (KJV)
HANDEL’S MESSIAH – HALLELUJAH
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/04/handels-messiah-hallelujah.html
“Praise ye
the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his
power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent
greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and
harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and
organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye
the Lord.” - Psalm 150 (KJV)
200TH BIRTHDAY OF JOHANN STRAUSS II
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/10/200th-birthday-of-johann-strauss-ii.html
Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens. - Maria von Trapp
THE STOTLZFUS FAMILY MUSICAL GROUP
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-stotlzfus-family-musical-group.html
Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence. - Johann Sebastian Bach
BEN AND ROSE – THE AMISH SINGING COUPLE
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/03/ben-and-rose-amish-singing-couple.html
It's a small community, the classical music community, along with the excitement of new places and new things and this feeling of being at home wherever you go because that's where your community is. – Joshua Roman
THE THIRD FRET HARMONY – AMISH FAMILY MUSICAL GROUP
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-third-fret-harmony-amish-family.html
“I make music to touch the souls of people as it’s a language we all can speak.” — Andre Rieu
The McCallum Family Musical Group
https://blackforestproject421.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-mccallum-family-musical-group.html
“Practicing is not only playing your instrument, either by yourself or rehearsing with others – it also includes imagining yourself practicing. Your brain forms the same neural connections and muscle memory whether you are imagining the task or actually doing it.” — Yo-Yo Ma
Anabaptist Orchestra Camp is an extended ministry of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp, offering instrumentalists an opportunity to interact with each other and grow as Christian musicians.
https://www.facebook.com/OrchestraCamp
https://www.orchestracamp.info
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/sing-a-new-song
