Around the corner from our house is a beautiful glen or ravine with a running stream, trees, an amphitheater where summer concerts are held on a monthly basis with local musicians. It's been wisely preserved for a gathering place, a place to walk children and dogs and a place to enjoy nature in the middle of the city. It's peaceful there, especially one night every year.
The Live Nativity is sponsored by local multi denominations in the Salt Lake area. Living animals -- sheep, goats and camels are brought to the hillsides of the Harvard-Yale area and transform Miller Park into the city of Bethlehem for this special night.
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As you enter the park, a Centurion greets you, or the Mayor of Bethlehem. Other neighbors are dressed in costume and greet you as you descend the path lit by torches and luminaries. The town center is set up with mock businesses like there may have been at the time of Christ's birth. One being a hot chocolate stand, where everyone is given a cup to warm heart and soul. Various children’s choirs, high school and local singing groups sing praises throughout the evening. The spirit of Christmas can be felt all around. As you walk through the park you are led to the hillsides of Bethlehem where there are animals that children can pet. The camel this year was a baby camel. There are real Sheppard’s watching their sheep. One has to think about REAL sheep, and REAL Sheppard’s when they are right there.
click to enlargeAnd then, the reason that everyone comes, the manger scene. Right out under the stars in the great outdoors is this young couple and their adorable baby wrapped tightly sitting in a manger. It's hard not to catch the real meaning of Christmas, regardless of your age. I wish you all could come with me to my neighborhood's Live Nativity, but a few pictures will have to do.
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Wishing you all the time to feel the Spirit of Christmas!
Photo credits Gretchen Lund
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