The First Christmas Nativity Pageant may be an annual tradition for some, but for one couple, it has a more personal meaning.
Every year, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and volunteers pitch in to play a number of roles in the outdoor pageant, which usually includes a baby that is no more than a few months old.
Rachel Watters, now 36, was cast as Mary in 2005, when she was 19.
“I remember the director describing the role and what I had to do,” said “She said that I had to look like I was in love with the young man cast as Joseph.
“We already knew each other from church and our moms were friends. I remember looking at him and thinking: ‘This is going to be really easy to do’.”
Joseph, played by Eric Watters, eventually became her husband.
He remembers the role and how it played out in real life — falling in love with and marrying his co-star.
“There is something more than camaraderie — more like a unifying sense of closeness among the cast and crew year after year,” he said. “It is a powerful feeling reliving the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It brings the whole family together. It connects us all with the message of Christmas.”
The Watters eventually had three daughters, but alas, they were never the right age to play baby Jesus in the manger.
The pageant has been running for 36 years, which means some of the other former baby Jesuses are now playing supporting roles, as a shepherd, King Herod, the angel Gabriel or one of the three kings.
This year, the performance has moved from Topaz Park to the grounds of the church at 701 Mann Ave. The estimated 5,000 visitors who come to enjoy the free show will find a larger staging area and improved parking.
As before, there will be bleachers and chairs set around an improvised stage, which is larger this year.
Admission is free — the church suggests those wishing to show their appreciation make a donation to a charity of their choice or a food bank.
The pageant runs Friday and Saturday at 701 Mann Ave. (at the corner of Wilkinson Road). with three performances per night, at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.
Parking is available at the site. The facilities are wheelchair-accessible. As the event is outdoors, audience members are invited to dress for the weather.
For more information, go to christmasnativity.ca
