Two live camels, a donkey and other animals, along with a newborn baby, contributed to the authentic feel of a Christmas Nativity walk-through pageant put on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Salvation Army’s Norridge Citadel. The pageant was followed by a concert with a choir, band and soloists.
Bethlehem marketplace shop keeper IJ Osuji of Nigeria assists a visitor during the “Come to Bethlehem” the Christmas Tale event hosted by The Salvation Army Community Center in Norridge on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021.
All of the church’s 160 members were involved in some way in making the pageant happen, said Captain Peter Mount.
“All the members of the congregation volunteer in some way, giving of their time, ‘ he said, even the youngest member, who is 9.
While the church may do some planning throughout the year for the pageant and concert, rehearsals and practices start intensely around the middle of November, he said.
Shop keeper played by Jenny Ortman of Chicago prepares dreidels for visitors to the Bethlehem marketplace during the “Come to Bethlehem” the Christmas Tale event at The Salvation Army Community Center in Norridge on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021.
A concert with at least 20 singers and numerous musicians followed the pageant, singing a number of religious Christmas carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
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At the end of Saturday’s concert, the actor-congregants playing Mary and Joseph came to center stage with a young baby, sitting together and forming a live Nativity scene of their own. The baby was awake and alert, smiling at members of the audience and stretching out his hand to them.
