Live Nativity

First Reformed Church in Maurice was presenting their Live Nativity event this year and we decided to check it out along with two other families from our Small Group. The kids colored pictures and we drank hot chocolate in the church gym while waiting for our number to be called, then bundled up and went outside to get on the wagons. One of the men leading the horses let Ryan pet the horse, which he thought was pretty special.

We settled into the wagon and the narrator started the story. We were then stopped by the Roman guards, who demanded money for our passing.  We knew most of the guards, including a co-worker of mine and his son, who is one of Adam's students. Ryan was right in front and took it all in with wonder as they played up their parts.

We proceeded through the scenes while the snow fell and were impressed by the presentation of the various scenes, including live animals (although the wisemen's camels looked suspiciously like llamas). I didn't get great pictures, but here's an example of the the "stable" scene.

When we walked back to the car, Ryan couldn't stop talking about the "knights" who had stopped the wagon. Here are a few quotes:

"How come we didn't give the knights more money?"
"I was very very brave when the knights were stopping us."
"Next time I see those knights I'm going to push them over into the mud."

Consider yourself warned, Maximus and Sparticus.

 

After the ride, we drove around and looked at the lights in Maurice, then headed back to town. We decided to stop for frozen yogurt at de Zoete Winkel.  I highly recommend a mix of Triple Chocolate and Espresso topped with crushed Heath, and I also tried a little "Thin Mint Cookie" which was good as well. Ryan went for Triple Chocolate Ice Cream with Mike & Ikes (a/k/a "snake jellybeans"), gummy bears, and M&Ms. Yum.

Note: Mike & Ike's freeze in frozen yogurt. Ryan was not impressed.

It was a fun family event and we hope to make it a Christmas tradition. They run the Live Nativity tomorrow (Sunday) night from 5:30-8:30pm.  The weather doesn't look great, but I encourage you to check it out if you can! Find more information here. From arrival to departure, it took us about one hour and I recommend dressing warm and bringing a blanket!