Bethlehem and a baby come to Uxbridge

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bleachers were packed, parking spots were at a premium and many people stood for the entire performance Saturday evening for this year's version of the Living Nativity.

Worshippers of the new Baby Jesus during the Uxbridge Baptist Church’s production of the ‘Living Nativity’, held last weekend in Centennial Park. Photo by John Cavers

Presented by the Uxbridge Baptist Church, the production saw over 120 people involved, from the "residents" of Bethlehem, Roman soldiers, shepherds, angels, kings from the East, Joseph and Mary to the many crew members working behind the scenes. There were two horses and a donkey in the cast as well as a small herd of sheep who were expertly manoeuvred by a sheep dog.

The scene was at the south end of Centennial Park, where a small street in Bethlehem was constructed, complete with the stable. Around the "stage" were three braziers to keep actors warm as they "slept" on the snowy ground.

With the temperature bearable and no wind, the production opened lightly, with children running everywhere, townspeople congregating and Romans keeping order. For a spot of comedic relief, a small child led a group of Roman soldiers on a merry chase, with the soldiers flying through the air as they continually missed tackles. Finally, the child was caught and night settled in, which was the cue for the Star to appear.

Following the show, members of the audience took advantage of the invitation to walk into Bethlehem and meet the cast and the animals and enjoy hot chocolate.

Brian Evans, one of the main organizers, said the Living Nativity is the Baptist Church's gift to the community.

The Living Nativity is presented every two years and this year's version featured six performances from Friday to Sunday. Evans said it is now time for younger members of the church to take over running the production. He said his daughter, Rubyanne May, and Sara Daley will be handling the next production.