Nativity walk, soup supper offer Christmas nostalgia
Nativity sets offer a glimpse into Christmas that is often overlooked. This year’s Nativity Walk and Soup Supper will be co-hosted on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m. by Millersburg First Presbyterian and Faith Lutheran Church in Millersburg.
While many people tend to go all out in creating Christmas displays in their front yards, rooftops and front windows, for some people, the quieter side of Christmas is what they seek.
On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m., Millersburg First Presbyterian and Faith Lutheran Church will team up to present the annual Nativity Walk & Soup Supper.
The event will showcase many nativity displays depicting the solitude and meaning of the birth of Jesus as Mary and Joseph, the angels, wisemen, shepherds, and plenty of animals gather around the stall to pay homage to the birth of Christ.
For those who cherish the nativity scene, it isn’t about the glitz and glamour but rather the meaning behind the scenes of Jesus in the manger.
Both churches will display dozens of nativities for public viewing.
In addition, there will be plenty of time for fellowship and food during the evening. Soup and rolls will be served at First Presbyterian Church while Faith Lutheran will serve cookies and hot beverages, making it an ideal evening to celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family.
While the many nativities make for a meaningful viewing experience, patrons also will have a chance to join the raffle to win a nativity set, with each patron receiving a free raffle ticket. For those wishing to support the event, they may purchase more raffle tickets.
After flying solo on this annual event for years, First Presbyterian invited Faith Lutheran to join the celebration, and the connection was perfect, not only because the two churches are a couple meters apart, but also because they have teamed up for many events in the past.
“We are very excited about the partnership,” said Molli Wile-Money from First Presbyterian, who is helping to coordinate the event. “I know they have one member who has hundreds of nativities — not that they will all be on display for this event — and adding more only makes this event that much more meaningful.”
Wile-Money said her church’s desire to continue the tradition remains strong because they understand the importance of sharing this tradition with the community, recognizing many families put this event on their calendar each year.
While the lights and decorations of Christmas rise to the front and center of the holiday celebration, this particular tradition is one that focuses on a much more serene side of celebrating Christmas.
“It’s reminiscent of a candlelight service in that it’s very personal to many people,” Wile-Money said. “We truly appreciate the community aspect of the evening because it brings people together to celebrate the Christmas season in a really meaningful way, and the fellowship that takes place around the meal and food is always wonderful.”
She said while the nativities are attractive and serve as the centerpiece of the celebration, what really makes each one inspiring is the handwritten notes that describe how each donor acquired their personal nativity set and why it holds so much meaning to them personally.
“I think that’s my favorite part of this because it expresses how important and meaningful each nativity is and tells a story, and many of them are family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations,” Wile-Money said. “That we are able to team up with Faith Lutheran makes it even more special this year.”
Both churches invite the public to join them and embrace the different nativity scenes from around the world while enjoying the sound of Christmas music.
The churches are located very close together, with First Presbyterian Church at 90 S. Clay St. and Faith Lutheran Church at 187 S. Clay St. in Millersburg, making it easy for visitors to park and walk to both churches.
All the nativities will remain set up the following Sunday for the church members to view and for anyone who couldn’t come to the event.