BATAVIA – Ten-year-old Joslyn Klitzkie of North Aurora admitted she was a little nervous as she sang "Glory to God in the Highest" Sunday in front of the congregation at Bethany Lutheran Church.

But Joslyn was happy with the warm reception the crowd gave her and her fellow Sunday School students as they presented the Christmas musical, "Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior."

"I got to put a production on for people to enjoy," said Joslyn, who also had to memorize lines as part of her role as a shepherd in the musical.

In words and music, the students presented the story of the birth of Jesus, and how God chose shepherds to be the first ones to see the Savior.

The students had been practicing since Nov. 11. Sunday School teacher Becky Klitzkie, Joslyn's mother, said the hard work paid off.

"I think they did wonderful," she said. "It's been a lot of fun. I think the kids enjoyed it."

Not only did the shepherds have the opportunity to sing, but so did the sheep.

"I liked singing," said an enthusiastic Izzy Estrada, 5, of Kaneville, who played a sheep. This was her first time on stage, and her mother, Cassie Estrada, couldn't have been prouder.

"I loved it," she said. "They did a great job. Izzy practiced at home in the kitchen all the time."