WARETOWN – Under a blanket of stars and the glow of a warm bonfire, the Waretown United Methodist Church once again brought the Christmas story to life with its annual live Nativity. The event, a beloved community tradition since 2017, drew more than 400 attendees who braved the winter chill to celebrate the reason for the season.
“This is our gift to the community,” said Pastor Dawn Corlew. “We are a neighborhood church whose mission is to faithfully serve God and our community with love and hope.”
Corlew said she was inspired to bring the rain-or-shine live Nativity to Waretown after witnessing its popularity at a Medford church where she previously served. The positive reception and the ideal setting of the Bryant Road property convinced Corlew that it was the perfect place to recreate the Christmas story.
Last year, even inclement weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of the event. The nativity scene and farm animals were moved indoors. Hay was strewn throughout the church, transforming it into a makeshift stable, similar to the one where Christians believe the Baby Jesus was born.
A Collaborative Celebration
The live Nativity is a community-wide effort involving 40 to 50 volunteers. From building sets to serving hot cocoa, everyone plays a role. The cast, featuring both children and adults, brought the Biblical story to life with the Holy Family, shepherds, wise men, and a host of angels.
Most of the cast members are part of the church’s local congregation, including those who settle down in the center of the manger scene. Courtney and Jeff Lake, along with their baby Fiona, portrayed Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Fiona, bundled in a snowsuit and pink hat to keep warm, captivated attendees as the youngest star of the night.
The production also included live animals, a favorite among the crowd. Donkeys and sheep added an authentic touch to the nativity scene, with one particularly protective donkey standing guard in front of the Holy Family for most of the first performance.
A partnership with a local farm provides the live animals for the nativity scene. A previous year even featured a camel, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the event.
Corlew expressed her gratitude to the community beyond her congregation. Township officials ensured there was adequate lighting, while the local police department provided logistical support. Firefighters and the first aid squad were both on hand for safety.
The church’s commitment to inclusivity was evident, with an American Sign Language interpreter ensuring that everyone could experience the story of Christ’s birth. Waretown United Methodist Church is home to an extensive deaf ministry that includes sign language interpretation at its weekly services.
As the local pastor narrated what Christians refer to as the “greatest story ever told,” members of the church choir invited attendees to join them in a chorus of carols. The scene also included a devotional visit from another well-known Christmas figure.
Santa Visits
Adding to the joy was a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, with Santa removing his hat and kneeling in reverence before the Christ Child.
Santa’s kneeling gesture, paired with the manger scene, echoed Philippians 2:10: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend.”
“Jesus is the reason for the season,” stressed Santa himself. “Santa portrays the love, kindness and giving as was some of the qualities of Jesus.”
The message of faith and hope is underscored by a verse from Alda Monteschio’s poem “Santa’s Christmas Prayer”
“Lord, You know that You’re the reason
I take pleasure in this season.
I don’t want to take Your place,
but just reflect Your wondrous grace.”
A Tradition Of Happiness
Hot cocoa and snacks were available to warm attendees as they mingled after the performances, sharing laughter and fellowship. Children and whole families gathered to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the church.
Mrs. Claus’ role in the magic of Christmas cannot be underplayed. Ever the nurturer, Mrs. Claus steps out of the spotlight to offer comfort to children who might have felt nervous about meeting Santa.
“Children are always being warned that Santa is watching and to be good, so there are some who are fearful since they have not been their best,” added Mrs. Claus.
In an interview, Santa and Mrs. Claus said they were invited to the church by their friends, former mayor Bill Neyenhouse and his wife, Beverly, who once served as Barnegat’s recreation director.
Many of the attendees of this year’s live Nativity said they marked their calendars annually to start the Christmas season in great spirits. One said she found the event a representation of what Christmas is truly about – faith, love, and community.
For the Waretown United Methodist Church, the live Nativity is more than an event; it’s a labor of love. As the congregation and community members departed, the message of Christmas lit the way, just as it did in Bethlehem long ago.
