ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 14, 1996 TAG: 9612160024
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: IN RELIGION
SOURCE: MARY LOU BRITON
For many people, their image of the birth of Jesus Christ comes from secular depictions on greeting cards, in children's storybooks and retail advertising. It's a curious combination of camels and cows and people that blends in with the many other holiday symbols of cute animals and laughing Santas.
A special tradition that brings the generations-old image of the familiar stable and manger and star to life is a live Nativity recreated by members of local church congregations.
Religious drama has historically been a way that the Christian church has passed its stories, customs and beliefs on from generation to generation. Live drama draws people into a unique learning experience.
In the live Nativities presented around the New River Valley in the next two weeks, those involved in the tableaus are real people, perhaps friends or neighbors, wearing costumes from the Biblical period.
In their attempts to portray what happened on the night of Christ's birth, the actors are responsible for more than just the retelling of the story. Several said they see it as an opportunity to reach out and offer the Christ story to those who haven't heard it before.
Among the congregations that will present the Nativity are:
* Radford Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Radford Chapel, 900 Pendleton St. Today, four 30-minute performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. Denise Turner, 731-1835.
* Slusser's Chapel Church of God, 1543 Mount Tabor Road, Blacksburg. Friday, enactments at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. There will be live animals. The Chapel Cafe will be open for food and fellowship. The Rev. Richard Gilbert, 951-1757.
* Park United Methodist Church, 306 Park St., Christiansburg. Dec. 21 and 23, 6-7:30 p.m. Drive by and view the scene, or park and observe from the front lawn. Live animals will be on site.
* Blacksburg United Methodist Church, corner of Lee and Penn streets. Dec. 22, 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 23, 6-8 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 4-7 p.m. Music, family participation, and live animals. Drive by on Lee Street or park in lot across the street from the Nativity. Lauraine Broadwater, 552-3027.
* Central United Methodist Church, Eighth and Wadsworth streets, Radford, presents its ninth annual live Nativity on Dec. 22, 6-8 p.m. 639-3529.
* Community Christian Church, Virginia 682, across from D and S Distribution, Newbern. Dec. 22-25, 7-8 p.m. 674-4308.
* Lafayette United Methodist Church, 5310 Walthall St., Lafayette. "Walk to Bethlehem," Dec. 23, 7 p.m. Includes costumes, animals and refreshments. Tina Sarver, 268-5098.
Sunday events and activities
A children's ministry program, "An Afternoon of Christmas," will be presented by the children of Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church St. at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a Jesus' Birthday Celebration in the Whisner Building.
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The children's Christmas program, birthday party for Jesus, and soup and sandwich supper will begin at 5 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, Eighth and Wadsworth streets, Radford.
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Children and youth of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pulaski, will present "Hosanna Rock," the story of the birth of Jesus in narrative and song at 5 p.m. at Fifth Street and Washington Avenue. Fellowship meal to follow.
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The Christmas concert of the 35-member adult choir of Dublin United Methodist Church, 424 E. Main St., will begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be refreshments following the concert and a nursery is provided.
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The Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, 135 Fourth St., Pulaski, will present a two-part Christmas program beginning at 5:30 p.m. Popular Christmas songs will be followed by the story of Jesus' birth. Handbells will be playing for the service, and children will present the drama.
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Bring contributions of good, used or new coats or warm clothing to the musical revue to be presented at 6 p.m. by the youth of Slusser's Chapel Church of God. Entitled "Come in from the Cold," the musical is part of a project to help the needy. An offering will also be taken to pay utility bills during the winter months for those who are in need. The church is at 1543 Mount Tabor Road, Blacksburg.
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The choir of First Baptist Church, Kimberling at Wolf Streets, Narrows, will present the "Tree of Light" cantata at 7 p.m.
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Christiansburg Presbyterian Church's Christmas program and Plum Pudding Festival will begin at 7 p.m. and includes "The First Christmas Tree," a chancel play with music by Kathryn G. Obenshain. After the program the congregation will follow a Plum Pudding Processional to the fellowship hall for refreshments. The church is located at 107 W. Main St.
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Jeff Sheppard of the Church of Christ, 1250 S. Franklin St., Christiansburg, will narrate a slide presentation of his recent trip to Israel at 7 p.m.
The Current will print a listing of Christmas Eve services to be held in the New River Valley. Please send us information about your services by Monday, Dec. 16, for inclusion in the listing to be published on Friday, Dec. 20. Send mail to Mary Lou Bruton, New River Current, Roanoke Times, P. O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. The fax is 381-1656. E-mail address is newriver@infi.net.
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