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illustration by Christy HandPresbyterian Media Mission recently featured this seasonal project on its Media Mission Spotlight site. A teacher in a school for disabled children in York, Pa., told members of a nearby church that her students best responded to sensual and experiential learning situations. With this in mind, the church created a unique Christmas event for the senses.
Members transform the church into nine to 10different Christmas experience centers in which children (and adults) can see, hear, taste, touch and even smell that which makes the season special.
In one room a mother and father with a baby tell the story of the birth of Christ. In another room, run by senior citizens, a giant snowman tells holiday stories and talks with the children. The evangelism room includes an opportunity for people to leave prayer requests that are passed on to the church members who pray for those seeking assistance.
Other experience centers include rooms with live animals, model trains, cookies, Christmas carol singing, toys, a birthday party for Christ and lit candles featuring the smells of different aromas.
Up to 20 persons are allowed in a room at a time. Children are given items from each room to remember what they experienced.
“The response to this lively, sensual presentation of the Christmas story has been astounding,” reports PMM. One year more than 7,000 people attended.
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