Our family had an amazing opportunity to take part in the Burbank Nativity Festival (Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) this weekend. The stake organized the amazing two day event to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It involved a display of around 350 nativities, musical groups from the church and community (local middle and high school groups performed as well as local churches), and a live nativity. Each of the three pieces (nativities, music, and live nativity) would have been amazing by themselves, but it was spectacular to have it all together. Around 2,500 people attended.
Our family was invited to portray Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus for the live nativity for one of the days. Brooke did a good job of passing as a baby boy. A lot of work went into making the live nativity like it may have been in ancient times. A beautiful set was built, live animals were brought in, the wise men, shepherds, angel, and innkeeper and family were all portrayed. We live in the heart of the entertainment industry so many of the people involved used their professional skills to make it even better.
The spirit could be felt as the nativity was reenacted with the shepherds and wise men coming to see and worship Jesus. Many people were moved as they were able to feel as if they were really there. We were touched as we experienced it first hand and were able to imagine how Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men may have really felt.
A lot of work went into the event. Many people sacrificed many hours to make it possible. And we are very grateful for their sacrifices.
