Nativity actors Margi Williams, Camilla Hick, Norbert Hymel, Daniel and Doug Gudakunst, Alton Kirk, Janet Quinn, Lilian and Kyle Johnson, and Jacob Gudakunst as baby Jesus
While most churches displaying the creche use statues, some called “living nativity scenes” bring added realism by use of actual humans and animals.
St Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Springfield celebrated the season with a living nativity scene on Dec. 3, inviting everyone to join them and their costumed actors.
Organizer John Quinn says they are now in their fourth year, the second year since they’ve included human enactors. The event has become so well known that he finds his church referred to as the “camel church” when attending community meetings.
The camel mentioned may be Delilah, one of six making her home at the Bar C Ranch in Berryville. Owner Jennifer Caton, who runs the ranch with her husband, says Delilah is the only female and “pretty much runs the show” among the males. Her mobile petting zoo is also providing the opportunity to ride a camel at NOVA Parks Bull Run Park Christmas Village, as part of their “Festival of Lights” going on now in Centreville.
St Christopher’s has served the community in Springfield since 1957. Their seasonal efforts include a toy drive for ECHO and Second Story, providing student holiday meals to families at Crestwood Elementary School, meals for homeless people through FACETS. The church provides shelter, meals and services to people experiencing homelessness for a two week period in January.
The church’s outdoor celebration of the nativity included readings, carols, live music, an opportunity to take pictures, and to participate in the toy drive. And of course, there was interaction with the sheep, goats, cow, and Delilah.
Although a donkey and ox are the usual animals depicted in nativity, as described in the Gospel of Matthew, along with the camels of the Magi, everyone seemed delighted about the sheep, goat, and cow stand-ins being included as well. Perhaps with a nod to the spiritual influence of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, who is credited with creating the first nativity scenes in 1223.
