A small church in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, recently hosted a “live Nativity play” that left a lasting impression on the community, despite facing a series of unexpected challenges. The production, titled “A Night of Miracles,” brought together children and families for an evening of festive cheer, but not without its share of difficulties.
The excitement among the children’s choir members was palpable as they prepared to perform with real animals, including a pony and several sheep. Anne McKee, a local historian and organizer of the event, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Yes! It will be great!” However, the plans took a turn when tragedy struck just before the performance. The original pony slated for the show was tragically killed in an accident, prompting the team to find a replacement at the last minute.
Despite this setback, the play continued to evolve. Just days before the performance, another pony was borrowed, though it was not quite as well-behaved. Additionally, five sheep were brought in, including three lambs and their protective parents. McKee recalled the words of the sheep’s owner, who reminded her of the responsibility that came with caring for the animals.
As the opening night approached, misfortune struck again. Two key cast members, Joseph and the Master of Ceremony, both suffered leg fractures and had to navigate the performance on crutches. Despite these challenges, McKee and her team were determined to move forward with the show.
On the night of the production, the church was filled with family and friends, all eager to witness the performance. To combat the frigid temperatures, the church was heated prior to the audience’s arrival. Unfortunately, this created a stark contrast when attendees moved outside to the performance area, where they were met with cold metal chairs. McKee humorously described the scene, noting that the choir’s rendition of “Away in a Manger” took on a new sound as the children’s teeth chattered.
As the play commenced, unexpected twists continued to unfold. The substitute pony balked right as it was called to perform its big scene, prompting McKee’s husband to discreetly encourage it from behind the scenes. The production also faced logistical challenges when the door to the inn became stuck. Ingeniously, the backstage crew had constructed the set using refrigerator boxes, and the innkeeper’s lines were delivered from behind the door, maintaining the illusion of a busy Bethlehem.
Just when it seemed the evening could not become more chaotic, the word spread that the sheep had escaped. In a moment of panic, McKee asked her husband about the cost of sheep, realizing she was not ready to replace them. Luckily, he managed to shine a borrowed spotlight toward the woods, leading to the sheep’s return, much to everyone’s relief.
Following the performance, attendees enjoyed Christmas cookies and wassail in the church recreation hall. McKee’s husband expressed his gratitude, stating, “You have taken me down some long, winding paths in our lives, but this one has got to be the most inspiring!”
Reflecting on the evening, McKee recognized that, despite the challenges, the community spirit and warmth of the event overshadowed the cold. “It was the very warmest, cold Christmas ever,” she concluded, highlighting the resilience and joy that filled the church that night.
Briarwood Baptist Church continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its congregation, serving as a testament to the power of community and creativity in the face of adversity.
