Sunday, December 20, 2009

Living Nativity

Somehow, I've managed to go my entire forty-something years without ever being in a Christmas pageant. So, when my son told me he and his girlfriend wanted to participate in our church's Living Nativity scene this year and asked me to join them, I jumped at the chance.

I knew right away I wanted to be an angel. I was arguably too old to be Mary and I wanted something with a bit more glamour than a shepherd. I definitely didn't want to be one of Herod's dancing girls. (That's a bit too much glamour - LOL). So, I was thrilled when I got there and was appointed Head Angel. Woo hoo!

Our church is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Living Nativity has been a tradition for over 50 of those years. When our church was in its older building, the head angel had to climb out a Sunday School window and appear on top of the church roof!

My son and his girlfriend scored the roles of Joseph and Mary. They were thrilled. Being Joseph and Mary can be a tough gig - they stay in position thoughout all 6 consecutive performances and never go inside. The rest of us go out to perform, then come back in to feast on pizza and all the other "backstage" treats.

Luckily, the Wise Men hid hot chocolate and pizza slices in the boxes that were supposed to be full of gold, frankincense and mhyrr! So Cameron and Erin got some treats, too.

Here are some photos from last night. We had a great time re-living the greatest Christmas gift of all!



"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"





"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"



"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."



Merry Christmas to you and yours! May God bless you richly in 2010.

Blessings, Teri

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

http://www.teriwilson.net/

Cup of Joe by Teri Wilson, A Night Owl Romance Reviewer Top Pick ~ available now at White Rose Publishing


10 comments:

Sharon Donovan said...

What a beautiful tradition, Teri. Our church used to do that and the baby born closest to Christmas was invited to take the role of Baby Jesus. It was always quite moving. You make a lovely angel! Have a Merry Christmas.
Sharon

JoAnn said...

Looks like it your first pageant was a great success!

I love this time of year and all the reminders around us of God's awesome gift to us... to me...His son, Jesus Christ.

You go girl!

Clare Revell said...

What a lovely thing to do. I've never heard of this before. Nativity plays are something school kids perform for their parents in the last week of term here.

Raynene said...

Teri, I had the privilege of being the Baby Jesus right after I was born - 49 years ago. I've enjoyed through the years being part of a living Nativity and many Christmas choirs. Celebrating His birth is something we should do more of during the year, instead of getting so caught up in life, huh? Blessings! Raynene Burgess

Teri Wilson, Romancing the pet lover's soul said...

Oh you guys. Shanon and Raynene, I love the concept of using a real baby for Baby Jesus! Ours was just a plastic doll. What a cool memory for you Raynene, I hope your parents took photos.

Kara Lynn Russell said...

Teri,
It looks like you had a lot of fun. One of the churches in my town had a living nativity this weekend. I didn't make it, but I'd guess the baby Jesus was a doll. Too cold here to have a baby outside that long.

Are you going to participate next year?

Teri Wilson, Romancing the pet lover's soul said...

I'd love to do it again next year. If my son doesn't participate again, I'm going to volunteer with a friend of mine who heads up the special needs Sunday School at our church.

Missy Tippens said...

Wow, what a huge, gorgeous production! Thanks for sharing!

Debby Lee said...

Dear Teri, these are beautiful pictures. What a fantastic production. Congratulations on landing the part of head angel. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a year full of God's wonderful blessings.
Love and hugs, Debby Lee

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Lovely Teri.
PamT