For the second year, the Evangelical Church of Bermuda has brought a live enactment of the birth of the Christ Child tothe public.

Worshippers, laymen and children have been enthralled by the spectacular live presentation of the Christmas Story at the church on South Shore Road, Paget.

Once again the birth of Jesus is displayed in a dramatic way with biblical characters and live animals, with sets designed and constructed by a core of volunteer construction workers. This undertaking is more ambitious and has involved unique designs and lighting.

Mrs. Diana Correia, Christmas Education Director, states The Live Navity with Christmas Eve in Bethlehem is an all-out Church effort. The purpose is to put Christ back in Christmas. It is the re-enactment of the Christmas Story taken from the Gospel of "Luke'' and "Matthew''. A taped message with back-ground music highlights the story. Volunteer members of the church play the biblical characters. There are over 12 different scenes, with all sets constructed from plywood.

Evangelical Church Pastor Bernard L. Payne praised his congregation for their efforts. They have worked many, many hours to glorify The Lord, he said, and have been rewarded with the majesty of the production. Pastor Payne talks about the meaning of Christmas and its importance for young people. He lays out the following steps: "Christmas is important for young people as Christmas gives them hope in life. As a child, when I was sad, there was always the hope that the saviour would come. He took away the fear and discouragement in life. At Christmas time it was great joy. I always felt someone was coming at this time, and have never been lonely since. Christmas teaches young people not to be selfish. God gave us his son and teaches us to give. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

"Importantly, Christmas gives us principles to live by.

He taught us to love our neighbours; To love one another, not to steal, and to treat others the right way; Christmas teaches us about honesty. Because God is truth. We see the truth at Christmas time in John 14:6'' I am the truth, the way and the light; and Christmas teaches us discipline and hard work. "If a person doesn't work, then he shouldn't eat.'' The Pastor of The Evangelical Church commends the young people for their efforts with this live nativity production: Melony Hitchcock, 10 Melony plays the part of a shepherd in the play. She feels that this nativity play shows the real meaning of Christmas. More importantly, she feels that this will reach a lot of people, and hopefully change a lot of people, because God is the meaning of Christmas. She says lots of people are concerned about opening their presents, and they have to realise that Jesus is the reason.

Jonathon Hitchcock, 8 Jonathon plays the character of a town boy. He has had tremendous fun with the live Nativity Play. He feels the birth of the newborn King is the most meaningful and has learned a lot about the birth of Christ. This play, he says, is important, because there are a lot of people who aren't saved.

Jonathon recounts the story of how his Nana died a few weeks ago, and knowing that she is with the Lord makes him feel so much better. He feels this Nativity play will lead people to the Lord. His favourite scene is the manger scene with the donkey, as this has the most effect.

This story was contributed by freelance writer Althea Overby.

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