In the parking lot of the Rindge Congregational Church, they were taking the census.
Or, at least, it was the start of a journey into the classic Christmas story, when Joseph and Mary returned to the town of Bethlehem for the purpose of being counted for the census, and with no room at the inn, took shelter in a stable where Mary gives birth to Jesus.
On Saturday, the Rindge Congregational Church revived a tradition that was scratched two years ago during COVID-19 — the church’s live nativity.
“This was a hugely popular event,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Mae Magill. “It was held on the town common, and the difficulty was figuring out how to do it in a post-COVID time.”
The event was back on Saturday, having moved from the common to a walk down the church’s back driveway, where guests were greeted by shepherds pointing them to the Star of Bethlehem – an illuminated star that was mounted above the church’s historic horse and carriage stables.
Walking through a path, visitors knocked on the “door” at a rooming house, and the innkeeper imparted the message that there was no rooms left, not even for a young pregnant woman who had recently been by. The final stall features the scene immortalized in many Nativity scenes and creches – Joseph and Mary standing over a manger where the baby Jesus has been lain.
Some key roles, including Joseph, Mary and the Angel Gabriel, were played by children or teens, accompanied by a Little Drummer Boy – or in the case, girl, played by an adult who cheerfully admitted she doesn’t even know how to play a drum. Drummer girl Maura Keegan, who has in a previous year took on the role of the angel, said it’s really the message of the story that’s important.
“It’s a community, and we’re reenacting what the community does – we get together and rejoice,” Keegan said. “Instead of standing at a pulpit, and telling the story, they get to live it, see it, and enjoy it. And if you have kids, sometimes it’s easier for them to see than to listen.”
Don and Janice Wilson played shepherds in this year’s production – Janice was quick to announce that she was officially “Shepherd No. 1” – but they’ve attended previous years as guests.
“I thought it was charming,” Don Wilson said. “It was extremely well done, and everyone enjoyed it. When the invitation came, we said, ‘OK, we’d be delighted to participate.’”
“I think it’s a great way for the community to come together,” said Janice Wilson. “I’m hopeful that for young families, it’s more enjoyable for the children, and gives them a better understanding of the story.”
“I think it’s the embodiment of the birth, and the event, and we’re just replaying it for modern times,” Don Wilson said.
Magill, who only recently took up the position of pastor for the First Congregational Church, said this is her first experience with a live Nativity, but she understands why it was once such a popular event for the church.
“It’s a way to see the story, instead of just hearing it. I love the lessons and carols we do on Christmas Eve, but that’s just talking. Here people get to walk, people get to see, and can take time if they want to, or go through it quickly. It meets different people’s needs, and it’s especially great for children.”
Magill said the church plans to make the live Nativity a semiannual tradition, trading off the event with a Christmas concert on alternating years. She said these community events are a way for the church to reach out to the community and make connections outside of its weekly congregation.
“One of the things about Christmas in particular is that it’s very much a family holiday,” she said. “Much of Rindge is people who have retired here, their family may or may not be nearby, and this is a way for people to connect to other people, and experience love by being with other people, rather than trying to experience it by themselves.”
The Rindge First Congregational Church is holding a candlelight Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. The service will include a telling of the Christmas story, singing carols and lighting the Christmas candles. Magill will lead an early service at 5 p.m. at the Ashburnham Community Church, located at 84 Main St. in Ashburnham, Mass., earlier that same day. All are welcome.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.