Advent 2011: Living Nativity

This week may be my favorite time of the advent season because this is the time of the year when churches begin their living Nativities.  The idea of a nativity, or representation of Jesus birth, has been around for a long time.  But, I am not sure who or when it was decided to bring this scene to life.  But, I sure am glad that they did!  Seeing the cows, people dressed in period costume and hearing people tell the story of Jesus birth while standing before a baby in a feeding trough … well, it takes the story to whole new personal level for me.

I hope that you will all use today as a time to seek out a living nativity to visit.  Take the time to ride or walk through with family and friends.  Share what parts of the story were the most meaningful when re-told in the reality of the living animals and manger.  Let this story come into your heart in a way that it may never have done so before.  Let this story come alive inside of you!

Christmas Adventus Day 18:  Place a map or invitation to a living nativity in your town.  During advent time, pack up some warm snacks and walk or drive through this re-enactment of Jesus birth.  Enjoy this time with your family and friends and remember, THIS baby’s birth is the reason for the season.

For alternative activity to the living nativity, visit Christmas Adventus 2011.

For our other Advent activities, see "Christmas Adventus 2011: Celebrating Allergy-Free".