A good crowd attended the Walk Through Bethlehem Living Nativity at Walter's Falls United Church Friday and Saturday evenings.
Walk Through Bethlehem is a living outdoor nativity, a portrayal of the Christmas Story featuring actors, singers and animals drawn from the twin congregations of the Walter's Falls Pastoral Charge and surrounding communities.
The play was presented in 20-minute intervals from 7:00 till 8:30 and refreshments were served following each presentation. Goodwill offerings and/or donations to the food bank were welcomed in the church.
Walk Through Bethlehem - A Living Nativity was first presented in 2003 by the Walter's Falls and Temple Hill United Churches. Church members built Bethlehem in the quaint old Walter's Falls church shed, and over 200 people attended and wondered at the realistic presentation.
"This presentation allows people to experience the Christmas story in a way they have not been able to before," said director Lorie Smith. "From being caught off guard by the angels, to the sights, smells and sounds of the animals, or the awe and wonder of seeing our baby Jesus: all are moments to remember and reflect on to find the true meaning of Christmas."
The production is a joint presentation of the Walter's Falls and Temple Hill United Churches and the surrounding communities. There are approximately 40 people in the play and many live animals including, cows, sheep, goats, and a donkey.
The project was born when church members cleaned out the old horse stable behind the church, and remarked how much it reminded them of how they imagine the stable where Jesus was born would have looked like. That led to discussion about presenting a living nativity in this structure.
Church members also feel there is a need to tell the Christmas story outside of the church. Many people choose not to go to church to hear the Christmas story, and a living nativity provides an opportunity to present the story in an interactive and entertaining way beyond the bounds of a traditional church service.
