STUDENTS from Haydock High’s year seven and eight enjoyed an interactive Christmas experience.

They visited Christ Church United Reformed Church in Haydock, where they were amazed at the engaging 3D displays of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in first century Palestine.

Mrs Sandra Morris, the youth pastor, welcomed all the pupils and explained the meaning of the advent wreath for Christians.

She told them how the green wreath symbolises the everlasting love of God as pupils keenly wrote their names on leaves of evergreen paper to be placed on a prayer wreath.

The youngsters were able, through the interactive displays and guided meditations, to imagine what it might have been like to witness the birth of Jesus.

Pupils were also asked to reflect on the meaning of the story in their own lives.

At the scene of the angel’s visit to Mary pupils were asked to think about how to help those who are frightened and alone.

Members of the church responded honestly to pupils’ questions and the pupils took home with them a bright glistening ball to remind them of their visit.

Maggie Eldridge, head of RE said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the religious studies lessons to come alive in that pupils are engaged in the story in an interactive way. It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to talk to believers and ask them why and how the story is important to them. In this way pupils are able to begin to reflect on and learn to respect the beliefs of others.”

Christ Church is open all day on Friday, December 28, offering a meal and refreshments to those who call in.