The real Christmas story December 21

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

The community of Lawrencetown is coming together in a big way to offer a simple message this Christmas.

The Lawrencetown United Baptist Church, the Lawrencetown Volunteer Fire Department, farmers, and an array of local volunteers are staging a live Nativity Pageant on December 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Agri-Alley, at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition grounds.

Live actors and live animals will re-enact the story of the first Christmas, complete with wise men and shepherds. All free-will offerings are appreciated, and everyone is welcome.

Linda Hankinson, of Paradise, said that she has wanted this event to become a part of her community’s tradition for years, ever since she saw one performed for the first time, when she was living in Ontario. “We sat on bales of straw and no one said a word. It was reverent,” she said. “When it was over, we left with peace of mind and a sense of the true meaning of Christmas. ”

She added that seeing the account of Christ’s birth brought to life before her eyes was a gift that she never forgot. The power of the story lies in the simplicity of its message. “It’s magical - not in the gold and glitz exciting way - but this is back to basics,” she said. “To find peace in this day and age - and feel peace on earth - that’s major.”

Hankinson said for her, part of the magic in seeing this pageant brought to life, is the willingness of the whole community to share not only time, and talent, but to come together at this special time as an extended family. “The whole community is involved, people are coming forward offering help, or whatever they can give,” she said. “Friends and neighbours willing to come together in a common purpose, is something unique to rural Nova Scotia.”

Linda Hankinson added that one of the hardest things during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, is to simply stop and take time to reflect on the reason behind the season. This special pageant brings that message to life and offers the gift of peace money can’t buy.

Her husband David agreed. “This story draws people together and offers us peace during such turmoil. Whenever people give of themselves, the spirit of Christmas is there.”

Organizer Julie Johnson agreed that a live Nativity Pageant has been something she’s dreamed of doing for years. “I called Jack Pearle and he said, this is the year,” she laughed. “As soon as we were given the green light from the church and given permission from the exhibition, it was full steam ahead.”

While the pageant is still weeks away, the preparations are well under way with Marion Pietersma and Cathy Lowe providing the costumes. The evening will be narrated by Phil Milo, and a children’s a capella choir of angels will be providing traditional Christmas carols.

A committee of nearly 10 volunteers from the communities of Paradise and Lawrencetown, is working on various aspects of the pageant and have confirmed shipments of hay, cows, and goats.

The only hitch so far has been rustling up a few sheep for the shepherds, and a donkey so Mary can make her entrance in appropriate style. Still the committee is optimistic that as word gets out, the show will come together.