Steve Cordle
ECB Publishing, Inc.
One of the things that can be a treat at Christmas is living nativity scenes. This year, many local Christmas activities have been canceled or scaled back due to COVID-19 fears. Despite the virus, some activities are going ahead. On Saturday, Dec. 18, at the start of the Christmas break, The Bridge Church and Redemptive Love Farm treated visitors to one version of the living nativity. The farm provided the animals and the church provided the actors and the set. In a first time effort for both organizations, live animals and church members made the birth of Jesus come alive.
Members of the Bridge built a simple set depicting the village of Nazareth as we tend to think it looked in about 4-6 BC (roughly the time when we believe Jesus was born). “It’s very rewarding, [Redemptive Love] is a good group to partner with,” said Pastor Luke Whitmore, who also directed the production.
There was a pretty extensive cast for the main characters. Valarie Williams played Mary, David Bowen played Joseph and Haley Whitmore played the Angel Gabriel, who brought the news of pending motherhood to Mary. A narration provided by Jason Carracino linked the events from the history recorded by Matthew and Luke with other passages relevant to the birth of Jesus. The whole performance we played well, the only thing missing to complete the Christmas atmosphere was snow. But, having spent most of my life in cold winter climates, it’s a sacrifice some of us, at least, are willing to make.
Further information about tours or other visits to Redemptive Love can be found on their Facebook page or their website redemptivelovefarm.com or call (850)894-1800.
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