Live Nativity slated for this weekend
KAREN CIMMS/TIMES NEWS Students in the confirmation and senior classes at St. John's Lutheran Church, in the heights section of Jim Thorpe, make luminarias for the Live Nativity. After holes are cut into the milk jugs, they will be placed around the field, filled with sand or gravel, and a candle. From left, confirmation teacher Will Rodgers, Cara Williams, 13; Samantha Rimbey, 16; Jacob Tout, 16; and Kendall Juracka, 13.
The reason for the season will be on display in Jim Thorpe this weekend, as a Live Nativity unfolds at Sam Miller Field, located on North Avenue in the Heights section of the borough.
The annual event will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, and runs in conjunction wih the first weekend of Olde Time Victorian Christmas, held annually in Jim Thorpe.
Sponsored by the churches of Ebenezer Evangelical and St. John's Lutheran Church-in-the-heights, this ecumenical event includes volunteers from other churches in the Jim Thorpe area as well. Sharon Hontz is the director, with Jean Dunbar as the assistant director.
The annual event is a way for the sponsors and participants to "put Christ back in Christmas."
The Live Nativity includes a walk-through guided tour of each scene relating to the birth of Jesus Christ.
It features simplistic scenery, beautifully costumed characters, live animals, inspiring Christmas carols, and scripture, taken from the books of Matthew and Luke. Each performance of the Live Nativity takes about 10 minutes.
A soldier with the National Guard, deployed to Washington, D.C., his wife and child, will pose as the Holy Family on both nights of the Live Nativity. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Franklin, his wife Maryellen, and their 4-month-old daughter, Claire Joan, will portray Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. Franklin is with the 174 AD Brigade from Ohio. Mrs. Franklin is the former Maryellen Marzen of Jim Thorpe.
Blessings will be offered by the Rev. Jarrod Rabold and the Rev. F. Peter Muhr.
There will be free shuttle bus service from the train station to Sam Miller Field every 15 minutes, beginning at 6:45 p.m., both Friday and Saturday. The last pick up time will be 8:45 p.m. Buses will shuttle people back and forth, leaving approximately every 15 minutes.
Following each presentation of the live nativity, guests will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies.
There is no admission charge, however, a freewill offering will be accepted.
