Live Nativity reflects the true spirit of Christmas

For the third year, Brooke Moyer and her sister Mindy, and a few other members of the Moyer clan are putting on a live Nativity Scene in the family’s barn. Replete with live animals, 13 actors and props, roughly 50 people at a time will be able to watch the performance for free while sitting on hay bales on Dec. 13 and 14. Performances will take place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13, and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the barn, located at 304 Lainhart Rd. in Owego, and are free to attend; donations are welcome. 

“Probably what we really like to do is present (the birth of Jesus Christ) in a way not many people can with the feeling of being in the stable,” said Brooke, adding, “Kids love it. Every year we do a bit more of the story; the first year we just did Mary and Joesph in the stable. The second year we included all the inn keepers and this year going further into the story from her cousin Elizabeth.” 

Brooke said that she and her family were originally reticent to put on another show this year due to external factors but that members of the community had different ideas. 

“God opened a door for us and so many actors wanted to be a part of it so the show must go on, and now we are just so excited for the show this year,” Brooke said. 

While the show is free, Brooke said that donations would be accepted in a box in the back. 

“Its free, but after the show we do have a donation box in the back of the room because it’s a lot more meaningful if people give out of their hearts, not for a ticket or when a hat is passed around,” Brooke said. 

Money raised during the show will go towards next year’s Christmas nativity scene and towards Brooke and Mindy’s company, E Wire Studios. 

“We started doing plays for family members and doing short skits, then some short films and that is my little nook. My sister and I have been involved in our production thing for about eight or nine years,” Brooke added. 

After every show viewers will be rewarded with refreshments and a chance to pet the animals. 

“One of our goats was the star of the show last year, every little kid wanted to pet him and he loved it, he loves the attention. He’s just so fun. Abe played a makeshift donkey last year because the real ones can be ornery,” Brooke said. 

Same as last year, Brooke said that as many shows will be played as needed in order to ensure that everyone who comes by gets to see the show. 

“Last year it was amazing, couldn’t believe the turnout, had to re-perform at least once if not twice. We got thank you cards from people touched by the show; some people had tears. It’s so special to see people react like that because that is what we want, to bring the Christmas story to life in a different perspective,” Brooke said. 

Brooke plans on doing a show for next year and is already passing around flyers looking for more actors so they can expand again next December.