Aurora church to host living Nativity
Submitted by Fourth Street United Methodist Church
With music, costumed actors and farm animals, Fourth Street United Methodist Church will bring the first Christmas story to life with an outdoor living Nativity production at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, on the church lawn at 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora.
Admission is free. Refreshments will be served following the performance.
Two narrators, including one speaking in Spanish, will tell the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and lead the audience in singing carols.
The cast includes:
Ÿ Aurora: Stan McGraw, shepherd; Jeremy Cotto, shepherd; Al Kunold, shepherd; Paul Eggert, king; Alex Martin, king; Mike Mollohan, king; Sarah Lorenz, angel; Stephanie Smith, angel; Amanda Anderson, angel.
Ÿ Downers Grove: Caden Carnes, angel.
Ÿ Montgomery: Ruby Halverson, Mary; Bob Halverson, Joseph; and Vicente Halverson (4 months old), Jesus.
A decades-long tradition, the pageant has been staged by the church in odd-numbered years since 1981. Cast members include about 20 actors, musicians and crew members for lighting, sound and costumes.
A highlight of the production is when Mary, accompanied by Joseph, rides a donkey on the sidewalk to a manger set up near the church's main entrance.
Visitors may pet sheep, goats and geese in a pen near the manger.
The actors and production crew range in age from 4 months to senior citizens, many who have participated in past productions.
Laurel Gilbert of Aurora, the pageant director, said the church holds the pageant as a Yule gift to the community.
Attendance at past shows has averaged about 200 people. Fourth Street, from Seminary Avenue to Marion Avenue, will be closed to vehicle traffic during the program.
The program opens with music by the church's handbell choir. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate in the dining hall will conclude the event.
According to Gilbert, the tradition of a live Nativity scene dates back to the days of St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted the poor and illiterate to experience the wonder and joy of Christ's birth.