First Annual Live Nativity
Years ago, SMCA regularly hosted a drive thru nativity during the Christmas season. As a student at SMCA for a few years, I was honored when I was finally able to join in this tradition in bringing the Christmas story to life in such a unique way. Fast forwarding a couple decades, here we are, walking through a very peculiar time in human history. Many families needing to be reminded of the hope we have in Jesus, and even more needing to hear this hope can be theirs if they choose to trust and follow Him as Lord and King. The Lord pressed upon my heart last year to pursue the revival of this event. Sadly, my family came down with Covid and that halted our plans until this year. Myself, Mrs. Horton, and Mr. Gaines worked out a lot of details regarding this idea, and I was graciously given the “green light” to, for the first time, have a “walk through” Live Nativity. Our live nativity, unlike before, began with original sin in the Garden of Eden, and telling the story of redemption to the cross where Jesus paid the price of the sins. In true form, the parents of our SMCA 3rd and 4th graders jumped in to make this a reality. Every student provided their own costume, and their parents donated every part of our set from lights to backdrops. Mr. Gaines graciously allowed us to hire Mary’s Go Round so our nativity was complete with a petting zoo. JB’s BBQ brought loads of pulled pork and meatballs to feed the participants and attendees. Our archery team set up to keep everyone warm with hot cocoa and coffee.
The night fell and so did the rain. Without missing a beat, our kids grabbed as many umbrellas as they could find and these parents grabbed tents and whatever else they could find to help our kids do what they had set out to do. After a week of kids getting sick and even up to the day of, having to go home due to illness, we were determined to push forward. We all prayed together and began, rain and all. Even with the weather, people came out to support their efforts and I was proud watching these kids share the Gospel in such a special way. The kids really enjoyed the animals, particularly, the alpaca who was planning his escape the entire time. Things were by no means perfect, but maybe we got a taste of the “not so perfect” first Christmas when Jesus was born of a virgin in a stable. Thanks to the many hands that made this night possible. I look, with anticipation, to a greater gathering next year. He is Emmanuel, God with us. He is Jehovah Shalom, the Lord our peace. He is El Roi, the Lord who sees and I am thankful to honor Him by bringing His story to the world with these kids.
-Mrs. Beverly, (Elementary Bible Teacher)