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While most of us were decorating our homes and buying presents this week, more than 75 volunteers from Hope Church in Wilton braved the cold to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas.
"We kind of forget the real story, and this is a quick reminder of what Christmas is all about," said Nick Von Hoffmann, a Wilton High School senior. He is a member of Hope Church's Oasis Youth Ministry, which helped create the church's second annual Living Nativity Sunday and Monday.
Von Hoffmann, who portrayed one of the shepherds, said a live Nativity has other benefits: It gives church members a chance to show their faith to new people. "We get to give our witness to other people that normally we wouldn't be able to reach," he said.
The parishioners who acted out four Bible scenes, beginning with the Annunciation and concluding with the birth of Jesus, were not the alone in bearing the frigid temperatures. They also used live animals. Kimberly Fox, who produced the living Nativity, said the animals made it more accurate. "We wanted to make it as real as possible," Fox said, describing how important the animals are to each scene.
To combat the cold, two sets of actors switched from outside to inside every half-hour. Along with the kids from Oasis, other members of the church volunteered.
After completing the tour through the scenes, guests were invited inside the church for traditional holiday songs, Christmas videos, warm drinks and snacks.
What do you think about the Biblical story of Christmas? Do you attend church services at Christmas or is the season all about Santa Claus and presents?Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
