December 2015 • A special publication by the Havre Daily News
Live nativity to illustrate the birth of Christ The first Saturday of Christmas, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. is a special time for the people of Van Orsdel United Methodist Church. Prior to 5 p.m., there is hustle bustle as people make final plans for the annual Living Nativity Scene that takes place just adjacent to the church. But at the strike of 5 o’clock, there is silence. Church members portray the birth of Christ as it was explained in the gospels. Jesus and Mary watch over the baby Jesus, sometimes portrayed by a live infant if one is available from the congregation. Shepherds and wise men stand in solemn observance. Along with the people is a host of of animals, as there was on the first Christmas.
One of the donkeys has been with the Nativity Scene for the entire history of the pageant, which has been going 17 or 18 years, said Ray Toth, who has also been with the program from the beginning. This year there also will be a lama, at least one alpaca, sheep, a miniature donkey and a miniature horse and perhaps even a cow. Fifth Avenue remains hectic throughout the twohour program, but many people stop to enjoy the silence and meditate, Toth said. Every half-hour or so, he said, performers are given a rest and other parishioners take their place. Havre Daily News/Stacy Mantle Participants enact the annual living nativity scene at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church along 5th Avenue.