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Live nativity tells Christmas story
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The three wise men Evan John (left), Bob Kimmel, and Mark Sorber prepared to give their gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus on the day of his birth at the Dec. 3 live nativity.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Live Nativity guest David Varley (left) gave a quick pet to a camel displayed at Disciples Christian Church on Dec. 3.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Joseph and Mary, played by real-life couple Michael (left) and Sarah Grope, ended the tour of Disciples Christian Church's Live Nativity by introducing the birth of Jesus to the guests. They asked each group to keep the birth of the savior in their minds this holiday season.
By SARAH FOOR
Disciples Christian Church’s third annual Live Nativity taught Boardman residents the reason for the season on Dec. 3.
The nativity was a walk-through, interactive journey that recreated life in Bethlehem on the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ. Guests were welcomed into the church and were asked to register their family in the Census and pay their taxes to King Herod.
Throughout the journey, the residents of the Bethlehem settlement shared rumors of a Savior being born. Angels, the three wise men and shepherds tending their flocks helped lead each tour group closer to the nativity, while live animals, courtesy of wrangler Dwayne Felger, were crowd favorites.
Finally, guests visited the small manger where Mary and Joseph looked over their newborn baby Jesus.
“Remember to always keep Jesus close to your heart this holiday season,” said Michael Grope, in character as Joseph.
After the tour, guests were invited into a Bethlehem marketplace where they could make prayer vessels, star ornaments and an Advent wreath. Drinks and Christmas cookies were free for guests.
Church member Carol Salmon helped coordinate the event.
“We consider our live nativity a gift to the community. As a way to experience the miracle of the birth of Jesus, guests get to go on a great journey that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas,” Salmon said.