The live performers were the most important part of the nativity production. (Photo: George Worrell)
by Martha Getlinger
For two weekends every December, members and guests of Columbia City Company in Lake City enact a live nativity scene for the surrounding community. Much earlier, work begins on props, costumes, assembly of buildings, special effects, music, and lights. The most important feature and greatest necessity, however, are the live performers.
While remembrance of the miraculous birth of Jesus would be enough, this year another miracle was observed. In an effort to add pastoral sights and sounds, three ewes were borrowed for the program.
During the Sabbath hours of Friday night on the second weekend, a white and brown-speckled lamb was born. Â After Sabbath morning worship, lay pastor George Worrell invited the church family to meet the newest addition to the live nativity. The congregation immediately fell in love with the baby lamb who was named Sabbath.
While admiring the lamb, we discussed God’s perfect plan for each of His creatures. Human babies are so helpless at birth and for many months; yet, animal babies begin walking immediately and actively seek nourishment. The lamb continued to cheer our hearts and energize us to our task. We did not like to think of giving our baby back to the sheep farmer, but we must. Yet, the miracle remains in our hearts with memories of a tiny creation — a surprise from the Creator — whose birth we are striving to share.
For two weekends every December, members and guests of Columbia City Company in Lake City enact a live nativity scene for the surrounding community. Much earlier, work begins on props, costumes, assembly of buildings, special effects, music, and lights. The most important feature and greatest necessity, however, are the live performers.
While remembrance of the miraculous birth of Jesus would be enough, this year another miracle was observed. In an effort to add pastoral sights and sounds, three ewes were borrowed for the program.
During the Sabbath hours of Friday night on the second weekend, a white and brown-speckled lamb was born. Â After Sabbath morning worship, lay pastor George Worrell invited the church family to meet the newest addition to the live nativity. The congregation immediately fell in love with the baby lamb who was named Sabbath.
While admiring the lamb, we discussed God’s perfect plan for each of His creatures. Human babies are so helpless at birth and for many months; yet, animal babies begin walking immediately and actively seek nourishment. The lamb continued to cheer our hearts and energize us to our task. We did not like to think of giving our baby back to the sheep farmer, but we must. Yet, the miracle remains in our hearts with memories of a tiny creation — a surprise from the Creator — whose birth we are striving to share.