Live Nativity tells Christmas story

By ROBIN McCLELLAND – Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa (TNS)

Mason City’s Seventh Day Adventist Church welcomed residents to its 10th annual live Nativity scene Saturday.

The church glowed warmly with light as guests came up the drive. The sound of Christmas carols drifted across the parking lot as people came to witness the sharing of the story of the birth of Jesus.

Inside the makeshift barn, actors playing Mary and Joseph sat serenely with newborn baby Jesus, as actors dressed as angels and shepherds were nearby to adore him.

After nine years of producing the Nativity scene, Adventists have learned what works and what doesn’t. Mark Stegan headed the live Nativity this year. Stegan lives near Nora Springs and raises sheep and donkeys, making him first choice for group leader.

Volunteers sign up in September to prepare for the evening. There’s construction to do and delectable treats to be made. Mainly the gentlemen work on the heavy lifting while the ladies plan the games, food and music indoors.

“People come through, and of course we have snacks and hot cocoa with kids’ activities inside,” Stegan said.

Once the evening arrives, members don their costumes and share the message by reenacting the story of Mary and Joseph’s travel to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in the stable of the inn where there was no room for the family.

“It’s just a chill way to share the message,” Stegan said. “Christmas isn’t the lights, the gifts or money. It has nothing to do with any of that stuff. It lets us share God’s message without being in your face. And people really like the animals,” he finished with a laugh.

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