Long ago, before television and movies, people entertained each other by telling stories. And Christians often told stories from the Bible.

When Spanish-speaking Christians came to New Mexico 400 years ago, they acted out their stories for the native people who were here but didn't speak their language.

In many villages throughout New Mexico the plays were performed outside or inside a church. "La Pastorela" is one of the plays they performed to teach others about the birth of Jesus.

A group of young students from San Miguel Catholic Church's religious education classes will do the same on Sunday, Dec. 6, when they act out "La Pasorela" at the San Miguel Parish Hall. The performance begins at 2 p.m.

"This play tells the story of simple shepherds who are invited by an angel to go see the Christ Child in Belen (Bethlehem)," said Sheri Armijo, who is directing the play and wrote an abridged version of it adapted from traditional scripts used in Socorro many years ago. "Along the way, they must overcome temptations and their own human weaknesses. With the help of the Arch Angel Miguel, they arrive and see the promised Messiah, offering him simple gifts from their hearts."

Armijo said records show that a version of the play existed in the Socorro area in 1886, and it was performed into the 1930s. The Knights of Columbus revived the play in 1953. Socorro Consolidated Schools teachers Bobby Romero and Mayme Aragon adapted the Socorro version for children and the play was performed in the schools from 1976-2005. San Miguel Church is in its third year of promoting the production.

Armijo said Father Andy Pavlak asked that the play be revised to reflect the advent season — a time of waiting and a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

A poetic contribution has also been provided by Ricardo Berry. Music to accompany the play will be performed by Toby and Ermie Jaramillo, Marco Berry, Mariah Deters and Jacob Walsh.

Contact El Defensor Chieftain Reports