Most teachers look forward to Christmas break, and not many fill those days with additional appointments. However, that is just what Richard Garey did in December.

During the school year, actor Richard teaches history, English and drama classes at Indiana Academy. But on weekends and during school breaks, he makes the 315-mile trek from Cicero, Indiana, to the historic village of Hannibal, Missouri. There, Richard dons a costume and heads for the Planters Barn Theater—the only non-profit, Adventist-owned theater in the lower 48 states. On stage, Richard brings to life one of several historical characters, including Joseph Bates, John F. Kennedy, David Paulson and Mark Twain. But during the holiday season, Richard portrayed a character from a little farther back in history.

Each evening, from December 20 to 29, Richard plays Esrom, a Bethlehem shepherd, in "A Shepherd's Tale." As Esrom, Richard paints a vivid picture of an "ordinary man who became a part of the greatest story ever told." Esrom shares with guests "the hope of a small group of men who trace their lineage back to the great shepherd, King David." Esrom also introduces the Christ child and the extraordinary night he arrived in Bethlehem. Richard researched the life of Palestine's first century shepherds for two years prior to creating the script.

Before retelling the Christmas Story, Richard invites guests to enjoy a buffet of traditional Middle Eastern foods. Background music features eastern instruments and melodies. "These were the instruments that King David would have had in his court," Richard explained. "I want to transport the audience back to the sights, sounds and smells of the very first Christmas," he added. The audience also sniffs a small box of myrrh as it is passed around. "I want the audience to experience the Christmas Story as it may have been told for the very first time by the men who knelt at the manger of the Christ child!"

December 2007 was the fourth holiday season Richard has dedicated his time to share the good news about the Christ child in Hannibal. Individuals and church groups travel from as far as 100 miles for the performance. One guest remarked, "You made Christmas real for me again."

Another commented, "We should sing the Doxology after this show."

A group of men were moved to tears and remarked to Richard, "We have been rejected at our church, but if Jesus is like you portrayed Him to be, we might just take another look at Christianity."

Richard remembered one tearful couple who were experiencing their first Christmas since the loss of their son. He said, "They thanked me for sharing God's Son with them."

During spring break 2008, which coincides with the Easter season, Richard will be in Hannibal again to portray the disciple Mark in "The Gospel of Mark." Some of his drama students will join him in the production.

Why does Richard fill his school breaks with extra "work"? He shared, "I am the one who receives the biggest blessing each night."

Diane Thurber is associate communication director for the Lake Union Conference.

For information about Heritage Stage Productions, visit www.heritagestage.com, e-mail plantersbarn@yahoo.com, or call 573-231-0021.