By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ELWOOD, Ind. — Three camels grazed on the front lawn of the First United Methodist Church on Sunday. They were joined by two baby donkeys, a handful of sheep and two young, black cows.
For Elwood residents, the sight could only mean one thing: the annual live Nativity scene.
For the 21st year, the church hosted its annual live Nativity complete with live barnyard animals like those present at Christ’s birth, in hopes of bringing attention to the original Christmas story.
Debbie Alexander, a member of the church, has been part of the presentation for most of its run and said she is continually amazed when young children arrive at the Nativity scene only to ask about the story of the baby Jesus.
“Some kids don’t know the Christmas story,” she said.
Sunday, the Nativity scene was played out on the front lawn of the church, as in years past, with church members dressed in long, colorful robes meant to replicate the attire in biblical times.
Although the baby Jesus has been played by a real infant in the past, a plastic baby doll filled the role this year.
Alexander said her own daughter played the part years ago.
Heidi Elsbury, director of the event, said the Nativity scene draws many non-members to the church to see the animals, but isn’t meant as a member drive. “It’s to get our community aware of what Christmas is about.”
There were no wreaths, reindeer or animated versions of Santa Claus at the event.
The commercial traditions of Christmas were ignored entirely.
“This is a totally Christian affair,” Alexander said.
Dozens crowded around young girls in long robes holding baby goats swaddled in blankets and reached their hands through the orange metal bars of the pen holding donkeys and sheep.
Zara Anderson, 17, played the part of a shepherd and cuddled a baby goat with a black, white and brown speckled face wrapped in blankets close to her chest, allowing visitors to pet the small creature.
In her second year participating in the event, Anderson said she’s a fan of the idea. “I like the fact that it involves the whole community. Everyone gets to be a part of it.”
Rita Nicholson of Anderson got to be a part of it for the first time Sunday.
Arriving with family members in tow, Nicholson admitted she’d come to the Nativity after hearing about the baby goats. “We came because of the babies.”
Although the goats drew her family to the event originally, Nicholson acknowledged the value of showing the origins of Christmas.
“I think it’s wonderful.”
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com
