The time of year has arrived. Live nativity scenes are scheduled throughout the area. Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and strangers gather outside in the chilly air to witness the sharing of the message.

Before the special story is shared, there has been hard work and concentration behind the scenes. Endless hours of costume making and mending have brought sore necks and tired hands. Finding the right size for each child and adult has taken several fittings.

Local farmers have agreed to bring live animals to make the performance extra special. A camel, donkey, sheep, goats and a donkey are arranged in pens in the church parking lot. Hay is brought for the animals.

As the crowd gathers to prepare for the telling of this story, I can see children dressed as shepherds and angels. They wait for the cue to position themselves and begin the evening show.

The manger is empty, the star is dark for now, the audience is ready.

A child quickly runs down the steps of the church and heads toward the manger. This boy is carrying something in a blanket. What could it be? The congregation pauses and wonders if this is part of the story.

No, the message is not being shared yet. The adults have decided to go ahead and have the baby Jesus in the manger before the show begins.

In his haste, the sweet young boy rushes down the steps and throws the babydoll in the manger and rushes back inside the church. He never noticed how we all paused and watched.

Well… some people noticed. As soon as the carrier dropped the doll into the manger and ran away, a group of children rushed up to the manger to look inside.

The adults tried not to laugh but when a young girl called out, “It’s okay. It’s not a real baby!” we couldn’t help but laugh. How sweet!

The children were ready for the performance. Music began playing in the background.

The live nativity was very special. From the animals to the actors to the audience, a good time was enjoyed by all. Hearing God’s message and thanking Him for His love was a true blessing of the evening.

Have you ever wondered about the effort that goes into the sharing of the nativity scene? God’s message can be shared through reading, writing and even through a baby doll in a manger.

God bless you all,
Melissa Henderson