Every year the holiday season presents opportunities to become closer to friends and family, resolve differences and give to those less fortunate.
Various congregations in the Indianapolis area hope to help people reach those goals with the use of productions that promise to engage viewers while sharing a valuable, life-changing lesson.
This weekend, for example, Light of the World Christian Church will present “There’s No Christmas Without CHRIST,” a new production that departs from the traditional holiday tale to address the deep pain caused by the gritty realities of life.
“You can’t take Christ out of Christmas, and the greatest gift he gave us is forgiveness, which is what this whole production is about,” said DeIvory Hampton Scott, a Light of the World member who wrote the play. “Forgiveness can be very hard, even for the best of people. But Christ forgives us daily.”
“There’s No Christmas Without CHRIST” takes place in a gritty, inner city homeless shelter filled with people from different walks of life who, for various reasons, are without a place to stay.
Some of the leading characters include Eddie, a “big time” drug dealer who ends up in a wheelchair after being shot; Old Man Willie, who alienated his wife with affairs when he was younger, and is now alone and in poor health, and Sandra, who lost a good husband due to her drug habit.
Other characters include Reg, who appears to be “only” a janitor, and Miss Kiki, who is described as a “ghetto, hot mess.” She wants to find a “rich man” and is the mother of six children, all named after alcoholic beverages such as Chardonnay and Martel.
As the shelter overcomes the threat of closure, the characters work out differences with each other and their loved ones.
“During the holiday season you have a lot of people who are not able to be with their families because of something that happened in the past,” Scott said. “We hope this production will motivate people to forgive before it’s too late.”
“There’s No Christmas Without CHRIST” will also feature poetry and an appearance by the gospel dance group Krash Krew. It will be directed by Cris Meadows, who is known for her work in regional productions and serves as CEO of Harvest Girls International, non-profit women’s and young girls empowerment organization.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church is putting the finishing touches on its own production, “The Gift That Keeps on Giving.”
Dr. Melvin Girton, pastor of Christ, said the play is designed to keep the “true” spirit of the holidays alive.
“As we prepare for Christmas, I think we are all reminded about the importance of giving in the name of love,” Jackson said. “We wanted to share something special with the community that will help people remember the power of giving.”
“The Gift That Keeps on Giving” highlights the difficult choices that must often be made when tragedy strikes, and how the process of making those decisions can bring loved ones closer.
The production is being offered through a community partnership with Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School, and several of its students will be a part of the cast.
Sherry Jackson, author and producer was inspired to write “The Gift That Keeps on Giving” after a member of her family had a life-changing experience involving an organ donation.
“I wanted to do something to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation, especially in the African-American community, where more donors are desperately needed,” Jackson said.
Girton added that the overall premise of the production, however, is to inspire people to give this season, whether it is something major like a medical donation, something as simple as a meal to a stranger in need or encouragement for a loved one.
“Far too often we get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas and getting gifts for people that we forget to give them what’s most important,” Jackson said.
Get inspired
“There’s No Christmas Without CHRIST”
Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 N. Michigan Road.
Admission: Free. Freewill offering welcomed.
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“The Gift That Keeps on Giving”
Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
Admission: Free. Donations are welcomed.
