Church’s Christmas
pageant depicts its
‘spiritual journey’

By Mary Adamski
Star-Bulletin

The Christmas Eve pageant planned by Kaumakapili Church won't tell the Bethlehem story that was the beginning of Christianity.

The 7 p.m. program will focus on the arrival of Christian ministers in Hawaii and the beginning of the Kalihi-Palama church, which is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. Congregation members directed by Roberta Jahrling will participate in costumed tableaux about the early history of the church.

Kealohapauole Hoomana will dance a hula kahiko about the legend of Kamanuwai, a seabird that was the aumakua of the place where the church was built.

Beyond marking historical events, "It remembers the grounding in spirituality that Hawaiians had before Christians came," said church member Jack Keppeler.

He said pageant planners expect to be questioned about the provocative departure from tradition.

"To us, it is the depiction of our spiritual journey," Keppeler said. "It acknowledges and respects the spirituality of the original host culture. It signifies the depth of belief that was transferred and converted, and the profound spirituality that continues."

Music director Sybil Ahana Shoenstein wrote a new hymn for the play which reflects the theme of the first Christian message preached in the Hawaiian language in 1820.

It brings the Christmas theme into the celebration since missionary Hiram Bingham, in his 1820 homily, chose the gospel message that angels used to announce Christ's birth: "I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

Glad tidings, which translates to "nu oli," "has been the rallying cry of our congregation," Keppeler said. "Always seeking to witness to nu oli is what Christmas is all about."

Live Nativity scenes
on view this weekend

The birth of Jesus will be depicted in live outdoor Nativity scenes at two Honolulu locations this weekend.

Central Union Church tonight will present its annual "Gift of Bethlehem" from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 1660 S. Beretania St.

The drive-through tableau in front of the church can be approached from the Beretania Street driveway. It is also accessible to strolling viewers.

Waioli Gardens at 2950 Manoa Road is the setting for the Salvation Army's 16th annual live Nativity program, which will start tomorrow.

It will be staged every half-hour from 7 to 10 p.m. tomorrow through Christmas Eve.

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