Live Nativity returns to Iowa City church Sunday

IOWA CITY - In the spirit of the Christmas season, the high school youth group at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City is getting ready to continue an annual tradition celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The church, located at 2301 E. Court St., hosts its 25th annual Live Nativity from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the corner of First Avenue and Court Street.

Those attending the free community event should park in the church parking lot.

About 15 members of the youth group are typically involved, said Kara Hartwig, youth coordinator at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, whose husband Brent is pastor. The couple's daughters, Grace and Emma, are among those portraying Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men and an angel this year. Most years, live animals - including a donkey, miniature goats and an alpaca - take part as well, but this year's weather forecast has put a crimp in those plans.

The National Weather Service is forecasting clear skies Sunday with a high near 11 degrees.

Hartwig said last year's Live Nativity was held in the rain, but a contingency plan is being formulated in case the temperatures are too extreme this year.

'I do know we've canceled in the past due to cold weather, but if it's too cold this year we'll move inside to the sanctuary,” said Hartwig, explaining participants would make use of a small stable the church has on hand.

Regardless of whether the event is held inside or outside, the doors of the church are to be open during the Live Nativity so those who attend can warm up, enjoy conversation, sip cocoa and nibble cookies.

Organizers said a group of carolers also plans to be on hand to provide entertainment.

The history of live Nativity scenes dates back to 1223, when St. Francis of Assisi, set up a scene in an effort to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas. It was to be viewed as worshippers arrived for Christmas Eve Mass.

According to his biography, 'Life of St. Francis of Assisi,” Saint Bonaventure writes Francis was living in Greccio, Italy, and received permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a Nativity display. The scene included a wax figure of the baby Jesus and people playing the roles of Mary and Joseph. Live animals also were included.

Hartwig said the Live Nativity is a way for the youth of the church to serve and give back to the community.

'This is their outreach,” she said, adding before the event begins, the Christmas story from the book of Luke is to be shared.

'We talk about them representing what happened,” Hartwig said. 'We make sure they know, don't get on your cellphone, don't look at your watch.”

Hartwig said 125 people attended last year's event in the rain. She said those who attend are usually a mix of church members and those from the community, especially families with children.

She said the goal of the Live Nativity is similar to what Francis had in mind back in the 13th Century.

'It's a celebration of what Christmas is really about,” she said. 'It's not about Santa, it's about the birth of Christ. I hope that's what people get out of it.”