In what is hoped to become an annual event, an outdoor live Nativity presentation was held on Lauren Ave. in Clearwater last Friday entitled Little Bethlehem. 

 

The event began as an idea Pastor David Hibbison had a few years ago when he and his wife, Roberta, were taking a walk in their Cedar South neighborhood.

 

“The site just spoke to me,” said Hibbison. “What a great place to have a live Nativity.”

 

This September he was finally able to begin making plans for the Nativity and contacted area pastors to generate interest and make it a community event rather than an event put on by just one church.

 

A stable was built, and Roberta Hibbison was kept busy sewing the costumes, which included Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Rejoice Lutheran Church loaned them some angel robes. 

 

Several community organizations donated time, materials and resources at discounts. Commitments were obtained from local livestock people, alpacas from 5R Alpacas and three sheep from James the sheep guy.

 

The event was originally planned to take place on two nights, Dec. 17 and Dec. 23, however the first night had to be canceled due to the dangerously cold temperatures.

 

The Dec. 23 production went on as scheduled, and was a success, with the live animals a huge hit and adding more authenticity to the presentation. Held from 4 to 7 p.m., narration of the Christmas story was read at 5 and 6 p.m.

 

Attendees received a scroll that contained the Christmas story Hibbison narrated, along with a list of sponsors.

 

Hibbison said they learned a lot this year, including the fact that it took them much longer to set up than anticipated, and weather permitting, snow should be cleared well in advance. 

 

They also discovered the stable needed to be well anchored, as it blew down during the sub zero weather. 

 

He hopes to have more involvement from other churches and community organizations next year, and extended a thank you to all who sponsored the event, including New Life in Christ Ministry, Tri County Alliance Church, Change of Heart Church, Rejoice Lutheran Church, Franklin Outdoor Advertising, Gustafson Trailers, Clearwater Travel Plaza, Clearwater American Legion, Clearwater Rental Center, 5R Alpacas, Annandale State Bank, The Hay Guys, the Citizen-Tribune, James the sheep guy, and all the volunteers that made it possible.

 

As he stood at the stable after all had been cleaned up and everyone had gone home, Hibbison knew the real reason for Christmas had been communicated.

 

“Jesus is the best gift ever,” he said. “And he continues to offer His grace to all who are willing to receive him.”