On the Town: Visitors congregate to church Nativity scenes

In what has become a local Christmastime tradition, three Burbank churches present uniquely different nativity pageants during December.

Westminster Presbyterian Church has carved out a reputation of telling the age-old tale in the most unique way with its annual presentation of “Nativity: The Musical!” This theatrical extravaganza, based on the belief that God has a great sense of humor and wants us to laugh and be happy, will be presented each evening from Thursday through Dec. 21 at 542 N. Buena Vista St.

The First Presbyterian Church’s presentation serves as more of a historical lesson as guests are invited to visit the village of Bethlehem and learn of the foods, shops, currency and lifestyles that existed there during the time of Christ’s birth. Its production, which will be staged at 521 E. Olive Ave. (at Fifth Street), will be presented at 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20.

These two events follow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s third annual Christmas Nativity Festival that took place earlier this month and featured the display of hundreds of privately owned nativity sets as well as a beautiful live recreation of the Christ child’s birth and visit from shepherds and Magi.

While it is the central characters that receive the most notice during these productions, it is important to keep in mind that each of these presentations represents the work of well over 100 people. According to Kellie Austin, who chaired the local Mormon church’s festival, this year’s event was made possible by a committee comprised of 21 members and more than 160 volunteers.

The idea of former Burbank City Atty. Dennis Barlow, who serves as the church’s bishop, the event began in 2012 and has become a huge holiday draw that extends far beyond the church’s congregation.

“We are so grateful to have thousands of visitors take part in this event,” Austin said. “We love that we can open our church to help set the tone for the Christmas season. We have heard from so many people who have expressed the sentiment that this has become a family tradition for them each year. We are so grateful to give this festival as a gift to our community.”

Among those whose dedicated work led to the success of this event, which also served as a toy and food drive to benefit the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, were Shawn and Kaylene Stevens, Jennifer and Kevin Behunin, Jackie Finnigan, Catherine Marsh, Ryan and Karen Christoffersen, Candy Modrell, Dianne Dwyer, Lisa Barnett, Shawn Austin, Bryce Webb, Kevin and Amy Erickson, Gena Downey, Jen Shoemaker, Charlotte Christiansen, Kyle and Lola Alo, Wendy French and Haleh Risdana.

Through the end of December, this column will also provide details about the men, woman and children whose talent and commitment are a part of the pageants at Burbank’s two Presbyterian churches.
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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.