Live Nativities capture the spirit of the holiday season
The entrance to Mount St. Macrina is bathed in the glow of luminarias on a recent cold, starry night. Drivers take their cars through a route marked by soft, warm lights, while angels wave them along their way. In one vehicle, as the passengers roll down their windows, they hear Christmas carols in the air. A short distance later, the car stops in front of a tableau of actors and animals as they create a scene that retells the Christmas story.
Simple yet effective, live Nativities appear throughout the world during the Christmas season, and southwestern Pennsylvania is no exception, with programs held every week during Advent. They make use of the outdoors, kind-hearted volunteers willing to brave the cold and animals that particularly delight the children.
Those who organize the live Nativities agree they are a lot of work, but their worth is immeasurable.
“It brings you more deeply into the Christmas season, seeing the performers and animals and listening to the Christmas music,’ said Sister Ruth Plante, provincial of the sisters of St. Basil the Great at Mount St. Macrina, located along Route 40 just west of Uniontown in North Union Township.
“It’s an atmosphere and environment that’s uplifting and spiritual and keeping with the true story of the Christmas season,’ she said.
Most live Nativities are well attended, attracting a few hundred people at each event.
“In our busy lives, it still brings across the meaning of the season,’ said Aquila Hilling, coordinator of the live Nativity at Central Christian Church in Uniontown. “It brings you back to our roots, where you’re supposed to be. Those involved have a greater, deeper connection with the Christmas story.’
Indeed, Rich Ferraro of Wyano, Pa., near New Stanton, has participated in the Nativity at Mount St. Macrina for nine years. Usually a shepherd, this year he played Joseph.
“Doing the Nativity every year is not only traditional but something I look forward to,’ said Ferraro, who is director of dining services at Mount Macrina Manor. “My holiday spirit doesn’t seem to start until I do it.”
Mount St. Macrina offered its live Nativity for the 10th year on Dec. 12 as an event presented by Mount Macrina Manor employees. Several groups offered music during the Nativity, including the Sisters of St. Basil, the women of Another Way and St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Uniontown.
Last Friday, Central Christian Church, located at 23 S. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, offered its live Nativity for the 31st time. Between presentations, visitors went into the sanctuary to view a display of crèches and candlelight and then went into the downstairs social hall for refreshments and music.
First Baptist Church of Fairchance, located at 17 N. Morgantown St., offered a special program, “One Amazing Night,’ Dec. 10-11, with a walk through the Christmas story.
Now in its second year, the program expanded from a simple live Nativity offered in front of the church for about 20 years. People now visit six scenes from the Christmas story and then go back inside the church for refreshments and fellowship.
“It’s the real meaning of Christmas,’ said Beverly Miller, who is in charge of publicity for “One Amazing Night,’ coordinated by Linda Marietta. “We don’t push religion, but we tell the story.’
Those offering live Nativities face their obstacles, including the weather. Mount St. Macrina canceled in 2003 due to icy conditions and cut the program short another year because of freezing temperatures. Central Christian Church also canceled one year due to a storm. Rain this year forced First Baptist to bring its final scenes indoors for the last half-hour on its first night. But otherwise, the actors carry on in their duties.
“The only thing I don’t like is rain,’ said Hilling. “You can deal with snow as long as you don’t have ice or high winds where the angels literally fly off the roof.’ Hilling referred to Central Christian’s heavenly hosts, who do indeed appear on the roof of the building.
Ferraro said, “Some years it can be very cold, but no matter what, it’s inspirational. Initially, when you go out, you think, how am I going to stand here for three hours? This year, it was two. But once you’re into it, it goes fast. It’s inspirational. You get caught up in what you’re doing.’
The actors usually wear layered clothing. Hilling noted that Central Christian’s presentations take about 20 minutes each and then the actors can come inside. Ferraro said actors at Mount St. Macrina can take a break if they need it, with a substitute coming in to take their place during that time. Miller said children usually take turns doing the program so they’re not out the entire night, and if it’s very cold, there are shifts for adults as well.
Organizing the project – finding actors, animals and behind-the-scenes people – is also a big event.
Twila Nuccetelli, human resources coordinator of Mount Macrina Manor, said the Nativity there requires 30 characters, including 22 angels.
She noted that Greenfield Farm of Perryopolis brings live animals for the manger scene, and employees at Another Way help out. The event calls for more than 500 luminarias, put together with jugs donated by Schneider’s Dairy and placed by a local Boy Scout troop and the Young Inspirations group at Uniontown Area High School.
Hilling, who has been coordinator for more than 10 years, said she depends on the background people returning to their jobs, but likes to bring in new performers every year to include as many people as possible.
She still remembers her own experience as an angel when she was 15: “Most of us have had a part in it. Even as a teen-ager, it makes an impression on you. It’s all back to why we do what we do – the Christmas season.’
Miller said the entire First Baptist congregation is involved in “One Amazing Night,’ from donating cookies to making background scenery to being actors.
And the Nativities never seem to lack for an audience, always attracting people who are drawn to an irresistible story.
“It’s for everyone, from grandma to junior – all ages,’ said Miller. “They see the actors and it comes alive for them. There are refreshments downstairs so they can (have) fellowship with their neighbors and friends. …Seeing a live presentation makes it come alive for them.’
“Everyone sees pictures of the Nativity, even on postcards, but to actually see people and animals doing it live typifies what it may have been like,’ said Ferraro. “It’s more powerful than a picture or graphic – way more powerful.’