In all of my searching for Christmas events around Seattle one Live Nativity kept coming up as a must-see event. I looked it up and it was over an hour away. I couldn't believe there wouldn't be a nativity closer that would be great, but I was curious so we headed to Gig Harbor Sunday afternoon.
I have to say it completely lived up to its reputation! I've never seen anything like this.
A very large section of land was set aside and lit only by torch. Hundreds of people lined up to walk through the nativity. In the beginning were Roman guards taking census and when you were allowed in there was a flurry of marketplace activity.
Fresh bread was handed out. Dried fruits to eat.
Henna tatoos
"Jewish" priests reading the scrolls in Hebrew and handing out scrolls to children.
Headscarves were also at another shop and handed out for free, but my kids didn't want them.
Fresh hummus and crackers.
Live sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, all for the kids to pet.
Stables with horses
We were ushered by groups into hear the news from the wise men about a star and then we went out into the fields to see the shepherds and their sheep. While we were in the field an angel appeared in the night sky behind a veil and told the shepherds to go and see the baby.
A short walk through the field took you to the holy family waiting for each person. Mary and Joseph asked each child their name and said to the child.... Johnny, Jesus was born for you...
It was fantastic and so loving and carefully done. It took hundreds of people to put on such an event and it was completely free. The church was set up with a coffee bar, lattes, hot chocolate, clean bathrooms and more.
The whole thing brought tears to my eyes at how many people would hear and see the story of Jesus birth because of the hard work of these people!
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