At living Nativity, organization is key

The living Nativity scene at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church has become something of a pre-Christmas tradition in Havre.

As motorists drive down 5th Avenue in the hustle-bustle of Christmas shopping, they see the Methodists, they observe a moment of silence and stillness as parishioners portray the first Christmas.

Saturday night's Nativity scene was no different. Except for the warmer weather, it was exactly like previous Nativity scenes.

A young lady was perched atop the manger, playing the role of the angel who announced the birth of Christ.

Church members played the roles of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men. There were donkeys, sheep and llamas.

But beyond the stillness on the outside, there was a little angst and a lot of laughter inside the church as people prepared the Nativity scene.

Eight-year-old Cory Simonson was nervous and excited about playing the role of a wise man. This is a promotion from last year when he was a shepherd.

He explained his role.

"I just stand there and be a wise man," he said.

"You don't ride the lama, you just stand there with them," he said.

He said he enjoyed playing the role in the scene that portrayed the birth of Christ, but beyond the theological significance of the event, he had one problem.

"My pants keep falling down," he said. "I'm a wise man but my pants keep falling down."

Cory's older brother, Jerid, is a veteran wise man.

"My mom roped me into this," he said smiling.

"But I've been doing this for three years. I can't complain."

He said he enjoyed taking part in the event.

This is the first time Lawretta Leibzano has been the dresser at the Nativity scene. Her job is something of a drill sergeant, making sure that everyone gets to their positions on time.

It's her job to make sure that the angels, wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph are in good shape before they go to the manger for each of the four half-hour shifts.

She's proud to be involved in the program.

"This whole thing is spiritual. ... It's a great way to pay tribute to our Lord and Savior."

She made sure that everyone got dressed and into their positions by the start time of 5 p.m.

Everyone was there on time, except for one tardy. The llama didn't arrive until shortly after 5 p.m.