The Live Nativity: “The Story of Christmas Through Our Children’s Eyes”

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is easy to get swept away in the hustle and bustle of the season. Children begin making their present “wish lists” and parents often find themselves scrambling to find the year’s most popular toys and games. Yet, we are called as Catholics to take a step back during Advent to reflect on our faith and prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.

At St. Mary on the Hill, a beloved annual tradition offers our families the opportunity to place the focus of Advent and Christmas back on Jesus with the children’s presentation of a Live Nativity scene.

“I would describe the Live Nativity as the story of Christmas through our children’s eyes,” says LeaAnne Jackson, coordinator of the Live Nativity. “It’s just a special time to watch and listen. And the children get excited when they are told about it!”

This year, our Live Nativity will take place in the outdoor space adjacent to the parish office following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Dec. 20. Christy McArdle, the new coordinator for this event, is excited to have her second child participate in the Live Nativity this year.

“I love the story of Christmas, and it doesn’t get much better than seeing it through a child’s eyes,” Christy says. “To listen to my son help narrate the story and to know what happens next, to know those small details — it’s so special.”

As many of our youngest parishioners become shepherds, angels, and the Holy Family during their reenactment of the birth of Christ, everyone is reminded that we are joyfully awaiting the coming of our Lord.

“It is so hard for the materialistic side of Christmas to not consume our children,” Christy says. “Everywhere you turn, there is an ad for a toy, and they talk about their lists and wants with their friends. So I think for them to get together with other children their age, practice the story of Christmas in their rehearsal, and then reenact the story — I’m praying it has a profound impression on them. It is a time of joy and celebration, and we want the children to recognize and understand the true meaning of Christmas.”

With Advent just around the corner, we are grateful for the many ways St. Mary on the Hill helps us look beyond the consumerism of this busy season to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Live Nativity is much more than just a beloved parish tradition — it is an invaluable reminder of the hope and faith at the center of our lives as Catholic Christians.

“I think it’s important for us all to take the time and slow down to focus on what the true meaning of Christmas is — to teach our kids, to live it out with our kids, and to celebrate it with our parish,” Christy says.

Are you interested in helping with this treasured tradition at St. Mary on the Hill? The Live Nativity could always use an extra set of hands! To volunteer, please contact Christy McArdle at 706-834-6125 or Christyjmcardle@gmail.com, or Dana Glick at 815-342-1533 or dana.glick@smcsaug.org. We hope to see many parishioners and families at the Live Nativity on Dec. 20! Masks will be required for this outdoor event.

The Live Nativity is much more than just a beloved parish tradition — it is an invaluable reminder of the hope and faith at the center of our lives as Catholic Christians.

Children gather in the parish hall following their outdoor presentation of the Live Nativity in 2019.