For a few years we have been running a Nativity Festival at church, an interactive way to explore and reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth. The church is set up with a number of ‘stations’ which each tell part of the story. Local schools and other groups are invited to come and take advantage of this experience. Led by a fantastic team of volunteers, children journey around the stations and learn, amongst other things, about advent as a time of preparation for Christmas, including preparing their hearts for Jesus. They knead dough in Mary’s kitchen while they learn of the angel's visitation and how scared Mary must have been. They think about what present they would take for the baby as they learn the significance of the presents the wise men chose and they warm themselves by the shepherd’s fire as they think about peace on earth. Finally they end their journey by entering the stable to find the baby Jesus in the manger and wonder about how people have remembered this amazing event for the last two thousand years. There is also a chance to look at a variety of Nativity sets and create something to remind them of their visit.
The stations are based on a pack of ideas called Experience Christmas from Jumping Fish who have lots of other amazing resources too. http://gloucester.anglican.org/parish-life/jumping-fish/#ExperienceFestivals
It is an amazing privilege to share this story with the children and staff of the schools and the reaction of the children to the story is incredible. It may be a lot of effort to organise, but it is well worth it. Roll on next year!
