Live Nativity acts out message

The production is gift to the community from the church, the pastor said.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Would Christmas still come if one of the traditions faded away? Of course the calendar would progress, but treasured customs add to the meaning and the fun.

One such example is in its 28th year and a special part of the Christmas spectrum of events. It’s the live Nativity production presented at Zion Lutheran Church. “It’s going on 30 years,” said Pastor Dale Griffin, who has served at the church for three years. “It’s an annual tradition” he said of “The Nativity — A Night in Bethlehem.”

Pastor Giffin credited the late Aileen Hoffman, who was director of music at the church, with the idea. It’s evolved over the years into a production involving costumed characters, narration, music and live animals.

But the reason behind it has stayed the same. “It’s our gift to the community and a community night,” Pastor Giffin said.

“It’s a story that works for all ages,” Pastor Giffin said. “The pageant offers the wondrous story of the birth of Jesus.”

Tom Gent is in his second year as director of the production sponsored by the Live Nativity Ministry Team and his 50th year as a member of the church. As director, he’s responsible for everything involved with the production to the kitchen crew.

He’s also involved in the church drama team, which started three years ago. “It’s all to add drama to the worship experience,” Gent said. “Acting out a message to get a point across works.”

And that’s especially important with the live Nativity production. “Part of what we do as Christians is getting the message of Jesus out. What greater time of the year to tell the greatest story ever told?” he asked.

“This is a relevant way to spend some time to celebrate Christmas,” Gent said. “This is always scheduled the last Sunday before Christmas,” he said, noting that by then people can make time for such events.

Gent, who put in many years in roles as a wise man and shepherd, said the production has two 20-member casts, who each do two shows. Behind the scenes are about 10 crew members for sound, lighting, costumes. And there’s a kitchen crew because the church offers a free soup and sandwich meal for those who attend.

The bonus is that the production and meal are free. “We have families that have made this a tradition,” Pastor Giffin said. Being family friendly helps in strained economic times while offering a wholesome activity. “It’s instructive but in an entertaining way,” the pastor said.

The cast members have no dialogue as a taped narration with music plays. “We have four shows from 5:30 to 7 p.m.,” Pastor Giffin said. Cast members don’t have dialogue but they do act, Gent said. “There’s an emphasis on body language.”

Having two casts is for practical purposes. “It can get pretty cold out there,” Gent said, noting that the casts alternate performances.

Gent said the ministry team uses two different versions of the program “to keep it fresh.” The narration, which is taken from Scripture, tells the story from the time the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary what her future holds and the birth of the Christ Child. “It’s the message that’s in every Bible,” Gent said. Background music is both instrumental and choral.

Gent said the most dramatic moment comes when the Baby Jesus is born and the whole cast is in the manger scene. “The music swells and the setting is beautiful,” Gent said.

The manger is set up on the church’s front lawn and there’s seating in the parking lot. “People can watch it multiple times,” Gent said.

Part of the interest, especially for children, are the live animals. Gent said that a church member, Bev Converse, supplies llamas, a cow, pony, horses, goats and sheep. “Mary rides the pony led by Joseph,” Gent said.

“People can get close to the characters and the animals,” Pastor Giffin said, and noted that this was part of the appeal.

Congregation members built the stable and made the costumes.

Gent “guess-timated” that about 200 people turn out to see the Nativity. Afterward, cast mingles with family, friends and visitors in the fellowship hall. Church members contributed their recipes of vegetable soup, which all goes into one pot. “It’s all mixed together and tastes great,” Gent said.