First Congregational Church in Rindge tells the Christmas story with live Nativity

Shepherd Faith Fahle, with her sheep, Libby Fahle and Barrett Fahle. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Shepherds Bethany Dugas and Faith Fahle spot the star of Bethlehem. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Town crier Liz Magill points residents to the path to follow the Christmas story. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

The Little Drummer Boy, Jacob Cantin, bangs out a tune to welcome the baby Jesus. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Sheep Libby and Barrett Fahle see the star of Bethlehem. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Mary, played by Violet Fahle, welcomes the baby Jesus. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Innkeepers Julia and Roberta Letourneau have a full house, but allow Mary and Joseph to bunk in the stables. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

The high angel, played by Emily Fahle, watches over Joseph, played by Matthew Haskell, and Mary, played by Violet Fahle. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Wise men Ken Porter and Georg Cornwall bring gifts for Jesus. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

Jen Marszalek and Don Wilson, homeowners in Bethlehem, turn away Joseph and Mary, who are seeking shelter as they enter the city. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

John Marszalek and John Cantin stand guard at the head of the city. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—

By ASHLEY SAARI

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Published: 12-16-2024 11:21 AM

Rindge nh

On Saturday, residents took a walk down to the historic horse sheds in Rindge.

There, they followed the path of Joseph and Mary, seeking shelter in Bethlehem and being turned away at the door of homeowners and innkeepers before finding shelter in a stable.

In the last stall, there is the iconic scene of Mary and Joseph, with the baby Jesus in a manger, watched over by the high angel.

It is part of the First Congregational Church’s annual “Journey to Bethlehem” live Nativity.

Pastor Liz Magill traditionally plays the town crier, pointing people from the parking lot to the path, lit with candles, and guiding them through the Christmas story. She said the tradition has made a strong comeback after having been put on hold during COVID. Magill said pre-COVID, the event was one of the church’s biggest events, and they weren’t sure it would ever return to those heights – but it has bloomed again.

This is the third year since the event returned, and Magill said it now attracts several hundred people each year.

“We were nervous bringing it back, but people love it. They seem moved when they come through. It has been a great ministry for our church,” Magill said.

After the journey through Bethlehem, residents were invited into the Congregational Church to share hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.

Article continues after...