Of moles, angels and little shepherds

It's a cold day in Advent. And so it is fitting that a warming campfire is blazing on the stage in the forum of the Mamre Patmos School. Although it is artificial, with logs made of plastic, the flickering yellow light creates a cosy atmosphere. In the background, blue sheep graze and shepherds wrap themselves in cosy blankets. Little Warwin is also wearing a huge fur hat. Just don't lose sight of what's underneath. But the seven-year-old actress knows exactly what it's all about from her lessons in the mole class. She explains in a gentle voice during the dress rehearsal: "Well, it's about the Christmas story. With the little baby. And the mum's name is Mary. The dad is called Joseph. But the angels are cool too.

It's even harder for the children to stay cool during the performance. After all, everyone in the class is sitting in the front pews. And the other rows fill up quickly too. Children run, jump or leap down the steps. Some are pushed into the forum in special wheelchairs in which they can also lie down. A babble of voices everywhere. But when it gets dark and music fills the room, the pupils look towards the stage, mesmerised.

They stand up for the little shepherds in the field, for the school's floppy-eared therapy dog, for teachers dressed up as angels. "Off to Bethlehem!" is the message. To be continued next Advent. Until then, there is still a lot to do at the Bethel special school. Because Christmas should be smelled, seen and heard. With the scent of cinnamon, with joyful Advent carols, making glittering stars together. "And the baby's name is Jesus," Warwin remembers, adjusting her hat.

Text: Heike Lepkojis | Photo: Thomas Richter