RUMFORD – This year’s Living Nativity will have a twist. Not only will those attending see the traditional story of the birth of Jesus, but also a grown up Jesus and the cross.
The annual event, sponsored by the Christmas in the Valley Committee and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in Muskie Auditorium of Mountain Valley High School. A Christmas carol sing led by the Mexico First Baptist Church precedes the play at 2:30 p.m.
Ronda Shaw, director of this year’s Living Nativity, said nearly 40 people have roles in the play or are helping behind the scenes.
Work began on the dramatization in October. The play will show such scenes from the Christmas story as Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, shepherds in the field, and the visit by the Magi.
“We didn’t want to focus on Jesus just coming as a baby and staying a baby, but that he grew up, had a ministry and died,” said Shaw.
The Living Nativity has has been held outside or at another site, but this year it is being held for the first time at the high school. Live animals can’t be used, but that hasn’t stopped the creativity of the group.
Shaw said while many of the animals are drawings, at least one will appear lifelike. One of the church members has created a remote-controlled donkey that moves its head up and down.
Materials for the props and background, as well as food to be provided before the performance for cast and crew members, has been donated by area businesses.
“This is a real community effort,” said Shaw.
Admittance to the play is a donation of a nonperishable food. The contributions will benefit the Hearts for Hope shelter, the Praise Assembly of God food pantry and the Mexico Baptist Church Mission Locker, which is also a food pantry.
Everyone attending is invited to Christmas munchies served in the cafeteria after the performance.
Churches presenting the Living Nativity are Hilltop Revival Church, Rumford, The Gathering Place, Mexico, Praise Assembly of God, Rumford Center, Mexico First Baptist Church, and the United Baptist Church of Peru.
eadams@sunjournal.com
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