Children act out Nativity scene during church service
Six-month-old Parker Rambach made his acting debut at Laurel United Methodist Church on Tuesday, helping bring to life the story of Jesus' birth.
"He's been waiting for this moment. It's the role of a lifetime," said his father, Zach Rambach, 30, who played the biblical role of Joseph. His wife, Rachel, 30, played the part of Mary.
"I think he nailed it," Rambach said of his first born, who played baby Jesus.
More than 200 people filled the pews Christmas Eve for the church's annual children's service centered on the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ. Before the start of the service, children picked out headbands to wear on stage — each one corresponding with a particular Nativity scene character.
Each year, the church has been lucky enough to have a fairly newborn baby portray Jesus, said JoAnn Overholt, director of children, youth and education ministries for the church. More than 30 children acted the parts of shepherds, angels, stars, the Three Wise Men or sheep.
Overholt, who's been with the church since 1999, said this particular interactive children's service has grown in popularity since it started a decade ago.
"Parents think, 'Oh, we can go. Our kids can be involved.' They can enjoy it, have a good time and come away with a message," she said. "This is different from a normal Christmas Eve service where the kids are just sitting there thinking about when Santa's going to come. This is a way to get them involved and remind them of the story of why we have Christmas, of Jesus' birth, and that it's not just about the presents."
Youth leaders read aloud Biblical scriptures of Luke and Matthew as group by group, children joined the stage until a Nativity scene formed.
Tuesday's 4:45 p.m. service ended with children and their parents collectively placing candles on Christmas tree structures located at the front of the fellowship hall.
For 5-year-old Carter Oh, of Chatham, that's his favorite part each year.
His mother, Meghan Oh, 33, said she's a lifelong member of the church. The service has become a tradition for her and her extended family. Her two sons, Carter and Mason, 2, participate every year.
"We haven't missed a year yet," she said. "I think they really look forward to it."
Rachel Nichols, 32, of Springfield, helped her identical-twin 2-year-old daughters, Hannah and Lydia, make their way to the stage. The twins decided they wanted to be identical sheep, she said.
Nichols said it was her family's first time participating in the service. She said she hopes to make it a yearly tradition.
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