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THE VILLAGE OF BETHLEHEM came to life on the Bristol town green on Sunday when members of 10 local churches staged a live Nativity. Shepherds keeping watch on a cold night are warmed by a fire, which also helped with the real brisk temperatures in Bristol on Sunday afternoon.
Independent photo/Steve James
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FIRE PITS KEPT the actors warm while snow gently fell. The 120 spectators were taken on guided tours through the living diorama that told of the birth of Jesus Christ. The 10 tableaux featured cutout donkeys and toy sheep, but also real, live alpacas tended by Wanda Goodyear and Todd DeGraaf. This was the fourth Live Nativity held in the last 10 years or so. Previously, there had been two or three years between times, but since it was so well attended in 2021, organizers decided to do it again right away this year, said Erin Bent.
Independent photo/Steve James
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BOB BUSHMAN, LEFT, Raymond Bapp, Kathleen Clark and Michael Brown perform as the Magi in the Live Nativity staged on the Bristol town green Sunday by members of 10 area churches. Around 120 citizens showed up to get a guided tour of historic Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Independent photo/Steve James
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INNKEEPERS NANCY AND Greg Orvis tell Mary and Joseph that they have no room for the weary travelers. The sign says, in Hebrew, “No Vacancy.”
Independent photo/Steve James
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SHEPHERDS, PLAYED BY the Chiaravalli brothers, follow the star to Jesus’s birthplace in Bethlehem.
Independent photo/Steve James
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IN SPITE OF their humble surroundings, Mary and Joseph, played by Mary Kate and Brandon Mansfield, are proud parents of the newborn Baby Jesus. The Mansfield happen to be a husband and wife — just married in October.
Independent photo/Steve James
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THE ANGELS IN the Live Nativity stopped their singing for a photo. Pictured from left are Noella, Chloe, Madison, Lisa and Raquel.
Independent photo/Steve James
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LIVE ALPACAS WERE tended by Wanda Goodyear and Todd DeGraaf.
Independent photo/Steve James
