Church to again host live Nativity
The annual Christmas in the Barn has become a multigenerational tradition for the members of English Settlement United Methodist Church, who have hosted the Burlington-area Christmas Eve observance for more than 40 years.
In that time some of the infants who’ve portrayed baby Jesus – between 150 and 200 of them by unofficial count – have grown and had their own children who’ve also had the honor of playing the role, according to organizers
The church’s live Nativity will come to life again on Saturday at the John and Cindy Squire farm, 26715 Church Road, just east of Highway J.
Beginning at 5 p.m., visitors will be ushered into the barn every 20 minutes until 8:30 p.m. for the live Nativity and Christmas Eve service.
Among the bales of straw, visitors will see portrayals by church members of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus along with shepherds, angels, and the wise men. Nine different couples and their babies will portray the holy family.
The Gospel story of Jesus’ birth will be read and visitors will have the opportunity to join in the singing of Christmas carols and will be sent off with a blessing.
“When you reach the barn on Christmas Eve, you will be thinking of the Christmas trimming and baking undone,” said Beverly Squire, one of the event’s longtime organizers. “But once you huddle in a small, straw-filled barn with sheep, calves, a kitten and a young couple with a baby, you will remember the reason for the holiday.”
In addition to the barn service, members of the church will serve home-baked cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.
Church members welcome residents from throughout the Burlington, Waterford and Union Grove areas to attend the free event.
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