After years and years of being closed due to construction and then Covid...The Living Nativity was back!!!! We were so ecstatic when we found out and even better Christina's parents happened to be in town and so did Logan so we had an even bigger crowd with us.
Our first stop was at Red Lobster in Tacoma to celebrate Mom's birthday. We basically had the whole back room to ourselves. They did end up sitting another family in there with us and as we left we apologized since we were so loud. It's hard not to be loud when there's that many people. They honestly didn't seem to mind really!
We arrived prior to the event opening which was on purpose we wanted to be waiting in line and be one of the first groups through. We all changed into warmer clothes and then got a group picture!
Logan had an audiology appointment on Friday afternoon so she actually came with us to the Women's Christmas Dinner on Friday night, to the Living Nativity on Saturday and then church on Sunday morning. It was so fun having her with us the whole weekend. Of course Ella and her were in heaven!
Waiting around for the event to start!
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It was so fun that Christina's parents were able to be here. They've came to this once before, but it's fun to see over and over.
Mama being silly!
The Roman Soldiers standing outside the gate into Bethlehem.
The pathway is lined with those flaming torches.
Since they had been closed down for so long they were able to revamp the show a bit. Something new before you even went into Bethlehem was a flashback in time to when Mary was visited by the angel telling her she was going to carry a child and she was to call him Jesus.
When it was time to come in the Roman Soldiers asked you your family name and how many people were in your family. The scribe was writing down all that information.
As you walked in you past the Roman Armory.
When you first enter the city you are right in the marketplace where people are "selling" all sorts of goods like bread, wool or even live animals.
This is the tax collectors booth. The one sitting down is a friend of Pa's...he used to work with him at Boeing. He's the reason we found out about this event years ago.
The oil lamps were cool. I actually have one I've just never lit it!
The wool merchant even had sheep you could pet.
We thought the sign was funny since it said Kids For Sale!
I like to play along and see how much in character people will stay. I went up to the Innkeepers and asked if they'd seen my cousin Mary. I said that she was great with child. They got a bit tripped up by that and just kept saying there was no room at the inn. Finally one of the guys said something like he thought he remembered someone fitting that description and they sent her away.
After the marketplace we are ushered into a tent to hear from the Magi. I love this part it always gives me chills because they are discussing the prophecies from the book of Isaiah that talk about Jesus being born in Bethlehem.
After that you walk out of the tent and your focus is purposefully directed one way, but I remembered that they had Angels that startle you so I was prepared, but they still made me jump.
After hearing the Good News from the Angels you get to go up to the stable and see Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
At the end of the path there is this sign that points to the cross and his future return. Such a great reminder!
The Living Nativity is at one church and then right across the street this other church always opens it's doors for you to fellowship afterwards. They have candy canes and hot chocolate for free. They also have pieces of pie for purchase. It's so nice to go inside and get warmed up after being outside for so long.
All these sweet kids!
There was this nice big fireplace that we decided to go sit by and get warmed up.
Snuggling on the couch together!
I love that Pa still wears his old business hat that says Duke's Welding on it! That hat is probably as old if not older than me!
Then we thought we should have someone take a group shot! And even though Jack is giving Owen moose ears it's honestly one of my favorite pictures ever!!!
If you've never gone to the Living Nativity in Gig Harbor put it on your calendar for next year. It's always the first weekend in December and it's worth the drive and almost free unless you want to buy a piece of pie! :)
