The Meaford United Church congregation presented an inaugural Living Nativity pageant on Friday, December 14.
Members of the congregation pooled their talents to transform the church property into the City of Bethlehem, where visitors were led on a journey reenacting the Nativity story of Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of accommodations only to find the only accommodations were a lowly stable where the Christ child was born.
Visitors joined Mary (Ashley Straiton) and Joseph (Alex McNally) at the gates of Bethlehem, met by a Roman soldier (Garry Aitken) and were led through the marketplace to three inns, then to a stable where Mary gave birth, choirs of angels announced the birth, and shepherds and wise men came to honour the newborn Christ child.
The Living Nativity was designed to reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey, according to organizer Mary Bryant. “The set designs and costumes were not that elaborate but the enthusiasm was definitely there,” she said. “We rallied the troops and drew volunteers and support from the whole congregation – the choir, Sunday School children, the United Church Women, and the church board. It was an intergenerational crew.”
Photos:
– Angels Danielle Hamill (left), Emily Jack (right), and Bronwyn Hamill (front) were part of an intergenerational crew who performed a Living Nativity on the grounds of the Meaford United Church on December 14.
– Bethlehem merchant (Ross Kentner) greeted visitors in the marketplace during the Living Nativity on the grounds of the Meaford United Church on December 14.
For more fantastic photos, pick up this week’s print edition of The Meaford Independent!
