Dear Editor,
Let's take it back a few years, it's the first night of the performance. I've been asked to capture the event, so I unload my stuff in the skate shop that is now Frosty's. I'm excited but scared out of my mind because I'm still learning photography and I have to capture an event in low lights and somehow catch the fireworks in the background. So I set my tripod up, get ready to capture the scene at the manger in front of the courthouse, but there's a problem. The crowd doesn't have boundaries, so they're getting in front of the shot, then some of the cast aren't sure where to stand, but staff are jumping in to help, I'm adding additional LED lights to light up the manager, then I see it. People coming together, working together, cast and crew, to not just tell the story of the birth of Jesus, but to spotlight it. A powerful reminder of the beauty of unity and shared purpose: To tell the story of Jesus.
By the way, if you look up the definition of the word “Columbia,” from the Latin, it means peace and unity.
As a photographer, my job is to tell the story with the pictures I take. Often at big events, like football games or events downtown, I may shoot from the angle looking up, much like the views from a child, to express the wonder of the moment. The word photography means telling the story with light. In my life, my ministry and the Nativity downtown, I have seen the Light of Christ do some amazing things. Years ago, I had an idea to put up a prayer tent. Why? Because of how emotionally and spiritually moved people were at what they saw. Christmas is a great time of year but also a powerful reminder that people are dealing with more than we know about and as believers we should be ready to be the hands and feet of Christ.
So, why am I directing the Nativity? Do I have years of theatrical experience? Hardly. But I have a story to tell. We have a story to tell, and it's a great one. This Live Nativity is Columbia's thing. Nowhere else do they have a Live Nativity that uses their entire downtown area. It's human nature to long for what was, but we can't lose sight of what is and could be. Now, I cannot possibly express the gratitude to those that have made this possible and carried it through the years, but I promise you I will be passionate about making sure the story of Jesus' birth is proclaimed throughout the streets of Columbia and I invite you all to be a part of this story.
From the Bethlehem, the House of Bread, to Columbia, the City of Peace, Merry Christmas and I hope to see you Dec. 19, 20 and 21 on Main Street for our Live Nativity.
I love you all and there's nothing you can do about it.
-Will Jordan
