When Southern Maryland is in the midst of the holiday season, the Lexington Park United Methodist Church celebrates in its own way each year, hosting a live nativity set on the church’s property.
This is the church’s 4th year hosting the nativity set. Actors in full costume and live animals, including a donkey, by the name of “Black Jack,” compose the festive scene.
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“[Each year] we have had a pretty good turnout, although a lot of it depends on the weather,” said Paul Crowe, a member of United Methodist. Although the weather was accommodating this year, it would take extreme conditions to keep the church members from their nativity. In the case of rain, “we would still be here,” assured Crowe.
The church originally started this event in hopes of making a tradition the community could come to anticipate each year. “We’re just trying to bring families together,” stated James Parker, another United Methodist member. “We are trying to show people the true meaning of Christmas, and that it’s not just all about gifts.”
Along with the live nativity set, the United Methodist Church had a small fire for warmth, and cookies and hot chocolate for refreshments. It is a tradition the church plans on keeping in the years to come.
The United Methodists’ Nativity is held for two evenings before Christmas, and is open to the public and free of charge.
