One of my favorite Christmas traditions is attending the live presentation of the Nativity at my in-law’s parish.
I hope you enjoy this “live” blogging event.
Before the Nativity starts, the kids get to pet the animals in a gated area. My daughter loves the goats.
The presentation starts with the cantor singing “The First Noel” and the procession of Mary and Joseph to a makeshift manger.
And no Nativity would be complete without shephards and bleating goats. Oh, don’t let me forget the Llama! (It’s Arizona, afterall.)
The story of the Nativity is told, with a reminder that St. Francis of Asissi conducted the first re-enactment of the Nativity. Again, the cantor sings “Away in a Manger” and the priest reads from the Gospel of Luke.
The deacon then reminds the gathering of the simple nature of Jesus’ birth and a reminder how much He loved us to come down to die for us.
Just so you know, Mormons do not have a monopoly on good food at gatherings. After the Nativity, we have chili, hot dogs and hot chocolate in the parish hall.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions, or Nativity re-enactment stories?
