Columbia, Miss. continues to be a remarkable community accomplishing things that even people from huge cities marvel at. People have come from far and wide to be a part of Christmas in downtown Columbia, especially our Living Nativity presentations.
When most hear about a Living Nativity, they think of six or eight people sitting or standing in a stable facade by a manger. The mental image for most is something static to be viewed for a minute before driving on.
Therefore, people cannot imagine a presentation with a cast and support team of more than 90 active everywhere from the tops of buildings to the magnificent procession down the middle of Main Street to the manger scene. This is all while dozens of illuminated angels express the Glory of God on the buildings all around.
Yet when people come from as sophisticated and faraway places as New York, Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta, many exclaim they have never seen anything that more fully expresses the grandeur and celebration that occurred on the day Jesus came down from Heaven to be born of a virgin.
Two things that make it especially unique from anywhere else is that this is an entire community expression. People are astonished to find the entire cast and support team of nearly 140 are all volunteers with an amazing spirit and good cheer. Further it is purposefully cross cultural with more than 25 churches represented and inclusive, bringing together our black and white communities in fellowship to honor and worship God.
It is perfectly in keeping with what we can one day look to in Heaven when, as Revelations 7:9 says, “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and praising the Lamb.”
The dream of the presentations was originally suggested and encouraged by one of Columbia’s remarkable businessmen, Kristian Agoglia, and the tradition is now being carried on by Main Street Columbia against the backdrop of our Main Street, which is so beautifully decorated by our mayor, Justin McKenzie, and the City.
One of the most amazing aspects that make it a celebration meant to honor a King are the dozens of costumes from kings to shepherds all handmade by Beverly Webb. We also have to give appreciation to Mike Lowery, our special local Walmart manager, for Walmart’s constant and generous support. We also so appreciate Walt Grayson, the famous voice of Mississippi, being our special narrator.
The last two presentations are this coming Friday and Saturday. Come join us to celebrate the King. Both will be inspiring, and the Dec. 23 presentation will be extra special. The presentations gets started around 6:45 p.m., but come early to enjoy all of the lights of downtown Columbia at Christmas.
