Fairgrounds to host Christmas Nativity by Finley UMC

PROCTORVILLE -- Live animals will once again roam the Lawrence County Fairgrounds, but they won't be competing for "best of show" prizes.

Rather, these humble beasts, including burros, will be helping to tell the story of the birth of Jesus when the congregation of Finley United Methodist Church presents a live Christmas Nativity on Dec. 17 and 18.

The pageant, "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," will begin at 7 p.m. each day at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds, County Road 107, Proctorville.

The program features singing of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary music. Costumed characters, including angels, wise men and shepherds, will act out the Christmas story. A cast of more than 60 men, women and children will perform in front of a custom-built stable.

According to a news release, the church first performed this Nativity in 1998 and has been continuing the tradition since then.

The public is invited to this free family event. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served during the show by members of the Teresa Chapter Order of Eastern Star Lodge.

The show will go on in spite of snow.

"We are able to present this free holiday event to the public through the cooperation of the Lawrence County Fair Board," director Bonnie Jones said in the news release. "God has blessed us with many friends who offer to assist with the program. I consider the Nativity a mission of the church; to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

For more information, call Sandy Joseph at 740-886-6291, Proctorville.