HARK! We bring tidings of great joy for unto you a child is born... and Miss is about to give birth as well!
As pupils in a Swansea school were re-enacting the most famous birth of all — staging their version of the nativity in their school hall as part of their Christmas celebrations — they had no idea how close to a new life they actually were.
For sitting in the St Helen's Primary School audience watching Mary and Joseph showing off the baby Jesus to the shepherds, wise men and collection of farm animals, was nursery teaching assistant Lauren Bevan... and her bump.
Miss Bevan knew that she was going to be a new mum herself but the baby was not due for another three weeks — however, not wanting to be upstaged, her unborn baby decided to head for the limelight.
While not quite a miracle birth it still came as a surprise to all.
As soon as her colleagues discovered that Miss Bevan had gone into labour she was sent home.
Miss Bevan was then taken to Singleton Hospital where she later gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Relaying the good news, head teacher of St Helen's Mark Thompson said: "It was certainly a Christmas to remember at St Helen's.
"We staged a version of the nativity in school during the day and another performance in the evening.
"Lauren had gone into the early stages of labour during the nativity but being her first baby she wasn't too sure.
"She managed to stick it out until the end of the performance without anyone knowing.
"As soon as I found out she was sent home. She later went to Singleton Hospital.
"She had a little boy called Kofi Junior, who weighed 6lbs 6ozs, both mother and child are doing well."
And with an eye for mathematics Mr Thompson added: "He was born on the 12 of the 12 of the 12 and if you add up 6 pounds and 6 ounces you get 12!"
Now despite the excitement of Christmas the pupils are looking forward to the New Year and seeing Miss Bevan and her son.
Mr Thompson said: "Lauren is a popular member of staff and everyone here, including all the children are really pleased and wish her and her new son the best of health."
The nativity tells the story of the birth of baby Jesus in a Bethlehem stable, which to Christians around the world gives the true meaning of Christmas.
