Live Nativity set for Thursday, Dec. 17

Emanuel Church's live nativity scene is one of Manchester's beloved traditions.

Submitted by Laura Sutton, Emanuel Church

This Christmas season marks the 45th year Emanuel Church will present its annual Live Nativity. Members of the community are invited to join the congregation of Emanuel in observing this event on Thursday, December 17 from 7-9 pm in the courtyard between the church and the fellowship hall at 324 West Main Street. On this evening the Nativity set will come alive with human performers and farm animals silently retelling the Christmas story.

Emanuel’s tradition of hosting a Live Nativity event began in 1976 when Pastor Joseph Wise first proposed the idea to the congregation. The start-up to this event was very labor-intensive: a stable and manager needed to be constructed; fencing for the animal enclosure provided; farm animals needed to be furnished; costumes needed to be created. Last, but not least, volunteers to fill the roles of the Holy Family, shepherds, wise men and angels were needed to cover rotating 15-minute shifts in the cold winter air. All of the planning and hard work paid off when in December 1976 the congregation unveiled its Live Nativity to the community for four consecutive nights and a tradition was born!

This year, the Live Nativity is limited to one evening and spectators are encouraged to drive up in their vehicles to observe the scene. Sidewalk observation is also permitted but spectators are asked to adhere to social distancing regulations as they look upon one of Manchester’s special Christmas traditions – the Live Nativity.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.