Live nativity scene begins tomorrow
Christmas is known as a time for kindness and generosity. With this in mind, one area church wants to remind everyone of the one who inspired the kind and generous nature of mankind.
Friendship The Baptist Church will be holding a live nativity scene in its parking lot this Thursday and Friday. The scenes will be live depictions of Mary and Joseph’s travels to Bethlehem where she gave birth to the savior Jesus Christ.
Church pastor Steve Breedlove has wanted to create a live nativity scene for several years for the whole community to enjoy.
‘We are trying to depict the real meaning of Christmas,’ said Breedlove. ‘It’s easy to lose the real meaning of Christmas with all the commercializing. We want to put the true meaning back in Christmas.’
The gospel of Luke says Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem 90 miles away when Mary was ready to give birth. After being turned away at the inn, they lodged in a room where animals were kept. There Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Angels spread the ‘good news of great joy’ that a savior was born to shepherds guarding their sheep. The shepherds hurried to the manger in Bethlehem where they found Mary, Joseph and Jesus. A star shown bright and led wise men to Bethlehem to present Jesus with presents ‘ gold, frankincense and myrrh.
While hustling and bustling to buy just the right gifts and hang just the right decorations in preparation for one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, Friendship church members would like everyone to take a few minutes to see their hard work.
‘We’ll have the scenes around the church,’ said youth pastor Jason Brown. ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the kids. From the comfort of your car, you can watch the scenes change from Mary and Joseph coming into Bethlehem, being turned away at the inn, and Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the manger. There are five or six scenes.’
Props have been made for each scene and the costumes hand sewn by church members. Among the animals will be oxen, chickens, sheep, donkeys and even a camel, courtesy of Tic Tac Mill Farms.
The live nativity scene, animals and all, may have been the pastor’s vision, but his congregation has joined together to make it happen for him.
‘Our pastor has wanted to do this for four or five years now,’ said Brown. ‘The whole congregation wanted his vision to come true because they love him. Everyone is excited about it. It will be wonderful.’
Friendship The Baptist Church is located at 11821 Sparta Highway in Rock Island. On Thursday, the nativity scene will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. On Friday, the hours are 7 to 10 p.m.