Live Nativity Scene Brightens Christmas Season in Kingshill

Jane Coles, Caitlin Kuczynski, Michael Kuczynski, Finn Miller, Joey Croney join in the live nativity. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Jane Coles, Caitlin Kuczynski, Michael Kuczynski, Finn Miller, Joey Croney join in the live nativity. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
As one of the Three Wise Men, Kaiden Castillo wears a golden crown during “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” (Source photo by Linda Morland)
As one of the Three Wise Men, Kaiden Castillo wears a golden crown during “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” (Source photo by Linda Morland)

High on a hill in the late afternoon sunlight, people gathered for a service that celebrated the Christmas season. A live nativity brought smiles as both children and adults participated Sunday at the St. Croix Reformed Church in Kingshill.

Officiated by the Rev. Peter TeWinkle, traditional Christmas carols and scripture readings accompanied the changing tableau as angels, Mary’s with babes, shepherds, stars, and wise men took their turns under the palm fronds of the stable. Donkeys and lambs gamboling and bleating helped to recreate the birth of the Christ Child.

Children and adults smiled, sang and enjoyed the ambience of the afternoon as the age-old Christmas story was presented. The church has e-enacted the tradition for at least 20 years.

There were no rehearsals. Participants picked costumes from the array inside the church and took multiple roles. There were halos, blue veils and baby dolls, robes and staffs, wings and gold crowns to brighten the scene.

And, of course, there was music, seasonal classics from “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manager” to “Hark! The Herald Angles Sing” and “Joy to the World,” voices rang out over the hills as the sun set.

The keyboard music was provided by Sandy Nelson.

Lena Kammerzelt, Madison Locher, Nora Kammerzelt, as angels, gather round the manger. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Lena Kammerzelt, Madison Locher, Nora Kammerzelt, as angels, gather round the manger. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Finn Miller, Joey Croney, Wil TeWinkle sing “Go Tell It On The Mountain” dressed as shepherds. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Finn Miller, Joey Croney, Wil TeWinkle sing “Go Tell It On The Mountain” dressed as shepherds. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Christina Craft, Madison Locher, Olivia Locher represent a cluster of stars as "Silent Night" is sung. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Christina Craft, Madison Locher, Olivia Locher represent a cluster of stars as “Silent Night” is sung. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Nora Kammerzelt is a star among palm fronds and dappled sunlight. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Nora Kammerzelt is a star among palm fronds and dappled sunlight. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Caitlin Kuczynski, Michael Kuczynski were among the shepherds. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Caitlin Kuczynski, Michael Kuczynski were among the shepherds. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Pastor Peter TeWinkle of the St. Croix Reformed Church opens the Live Nativity service. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Pastor Peter TeWinkle of the St. Croix Reformed Church opens the Live Nativity service. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Nora Kammerzelt seems unaware that a donkey may take a bite of her angel wing. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Nora Kammerzelt seems unaware that a donkey may take a bite of her angel wing. (Source photo by Linda Morland)