As more states across the U.S. face another wave of impending lockdown orders, the Christmas spirit might be harder to recognize, and even harder still to celebrate.
But perhaps this fact might add a sense of normalcy to otherwise unique holiday season festivities:
Churches across the country are continuing their tradition of hosting live nativity events.
“People still need the message of Christmas, the true meaning, the hope and the love. And so how can we provide that for them in a safe way?” said the Rev. Jonathan Andersen, pastor of Harvest Point United Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Georgia, told Religion News Service. The church is adapting its annual live nativity, Return to Bethlehem, to comply with social distancing laws.
In similar fashion, the roadside live nativity at Advent Lutheran Church, a congregation affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Columbus, Ohio, is in its 50th year and has no plans to cancel.
In neighboring Indiana, Faith Church of Lafayette has cut some scenes from its Lafayette Living Nativity to accommodate more cars since it’s forgoing its usual walk-through option, Religion News Service reports.
Whatever accommodations need to be made, these churches are ensuring their faith communities are able to celebrate the birth of our Savior in spite of restrictions.
Learn more about Harvest Point’s live nativity experience here.
