Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511220108
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E10 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A lover of animals, Francis set up in the market place a "Christmas crib" or creche. People took the parts of Mary and Joseph and around the manger the lowly beasts stood.
The idea caught on, and today outdoor creches are found in front of many Christian churches each year.
In the mid-20th century what now are popularly called "live Nativity" scenes became a more realistic way to remind those driving by of how the spirit of Christmas began in a simple stable manger. The idea reached the Roanoke Valley about 25 years ago, and Connelly Memorial Baptist, for one, is holding its 20th outdoor Nativity at the church, 3907 Hershberger Road N.W., on Dec. 22 and 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Christmas Eve from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Whether an outdoor pageant in four scenes, such as at Penn Forest Christian Church, or a simple Nativity suggestion in the church's small side yard, as at St. Paul's Episcopal in Salem, the outdoor depictions are a treat the whole family can enjoy and an indirect way to spread the Gospel.
"It's just a wonderful thing to hear the children talk about our real animals," said Linda Liptrap, one of the people behind the big Penn Forest effort. "And it's a real outreach to unchurched people for us. We pray before each performance that hearts will be touched."
Last year, nearly 4,000 people drove by Penn Forest Christian's tableau at the church at 3028 Penn Forest Blvd. S.W.
The church's circular parking area makes it easy to take in the whole Nativity story - from annunciation of the angel to Mary, to shepherds in the field, to the manger scene, and to finally the three wise men journeying to Bethlehem, Liptrap said.
Penn Forest rents its animals from the Natural Bridge Zoo. Three camels - all of them pregnant last year and one near birth - are a major attraction as are a donkey, three young goats and several sheep.
Among those who participate in the church's big event are "animal sitters" who spend the night in sight of the livestock, a precaution, Liptrap said, for the strange beasts.
Refreshments are available for those who want them, and the church is open for Communion during the presentation on Dec. 15, 16 and 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
It takes dedication and plenty of warm clothes to carry on the outdoor scenes, and Liptrap can only recall once - in an icy rain two years ago - that a Penn Forest presentation was canceled.
St. Paul's keeps its presentation simple, said Nancy Wheeler, program director, "because it was that way in the beginning." The presentation is Dec. 18 and 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Over at Covenant Presbyterian, where the youths have put on the tableau for nine years, Becky, the live donkey who lives in a nearby pasture, is always a big hit.
No one tries to ride Becky, and she must be bribed with plenty of oats to behave because of the loud taped Christmas music, said Mary McMichael of the church's staff.
Covenant Presbyterian at 1831 Deyerle Road S.W., however, is putting on its tableau only on Christmas Eve this year from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m., McMichael said.
The traditional Nativity tableau at Hollins Road Baptist Church nearly came to an end this year because some members of the Joyful Servants Sunday school class have run out of energy. A younger group, the Multitude of Believers, rescued the project.
Debbie Young, a 35-year-old member of the group, has moved from participant to director. She is rounding up about 15 people - young and old - for each shift.
As part of the church's tradition, the wise men will offer candy to the children, and viewers are invited into the church at 3502 Old Mountain Road N.E. for warm refreshments during this year's presentation on Dec. 18 and 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
by CNB