T
No Room in the Inn
he Christmas season is the best! It is the time when families gather, schools and churches host a myriad of Christmas parties, and communities present various delightful programs ranging from plays to hayride caroling to the majestic Handel’s Messiah. However, Christmas of 2020 was different. Although lighting displays seemed more spectacular than ever, the absence of community gatherings left an emptiness that was felt by many. A mid-December Sabbath was a highlight for the members of the Fallon church. As the smell of hand sanitizer surrounded the masked congregation, the entire student body of the Fallon Adventist Christian School (FACS) delighted the audience with a unique and wonderful program. Beginning with congregational singing accompanied by the FACS ukulele choir, both traditional and contemporary songs lifted the spirits of the congregants. Some of the school’s piano students— Jaszimin Hernandez, Rozaida Reedy, Jaden Drinkut, and Abby Northrup—then serenaded the attendees, playing their favorite Christmas songs. The story of our Savior’s birth was read by students, with kindergartener Daisy Otto amazing the listeners by reciting from memory the lengthy closing verses. The scene then changed to appear like a court room, with Judge Jody, played by Abby Northrop, presiding. Ian Hamilton portrayed Sam, the prosecuting attorney, bringing charges of “lack of compassion for wayward travelers” against the innkeeper, played by Jaden Drinkut. Immediately, there were a number of witnesses in defense of the innkeeper. Heehaw A.
32 Pacific Union Recorder
PHOTOS: DAVE REEDY
RIGHT: Fallon Adventist Christian School Ukulele Choir accompanies the Fallon church’s worship service. From left to right, back row: Ian Hamilton, Jaszmin Hernandez, Daisy Otto, Sammy Northrop, and Jaden Drinkut. Front row: Nathan Montgomery, Elijah Mott, Isaiah Mott, Rozaida Reedy, and Abby Northrup. FAR RIGHT: Rozaida Reedy shares “Go Tell It on the Mountain” with delighted listeners during the Fallon Adventist Christian School Christmas program.
Nevada-Utah Conference
Donkey (Sammy Northrop), employed as a part-time tour guide, and Malachi Mutton (Jaszmin Hernandez), owner of a carpet cleaning service, both testified in defense of the innkeeper. After hearing the testimony of the innkeeper, who was moved to compassion for the travelers, and the fact that a warm, comfortable stable was provided for them, the jurors (Daisy Otto, Elijah Mott, Nathan Montgomery, Isaiah Mott, and Rozaida Reedy) unanimously voted in favor of the innkeeper, and the prosecutor dropped the charges. Judge Jody then victoriously announced, “Not guilty!” It was made clear that we often make decisions without all of the facts but, more importantly, God offered to us the greatest gift of all time in His Son. No matter the difficulty of the journey, the gift of Jesus at the end will be worth any hardships we might endure along the way. God with us—Emmanuel! ____________________ By Michelle Ward
Heehaw A. Donkey (Sammy Northrop) and Malachi Mutton (Jaszmin Hernandez) prepare to testify in defense of the innkeeper (Jaden Drinkut) as prosecuting attorney Sam (Ian Hamilton) states the charges.
