Button to present live nativity this weekend
By LAURA CHILDRESS

Button Memorial United Methodist Church will take visitors of its 8th annual live nativity on a "Journey to the Christ Child" this Saturday and Sunday evening.

The doors open at 6 p.m. with shows running from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and shuttle buses running from the Little Elm ISD stadium and King Elementary every 10 minutes beginning at 6 p.m.

"This year's show is completely different," said director Kristy Vivian. "It's more reverent.” Button's eighth live nativity presentation, adopted from the script of a sister church in Grapevine, allows visitors to accompany a Jerusalem family as they travel to Bethlehem for the census.

"Visitors will walk into the fellowship hall, where they'll receive a passport," Vivian said. "They'll then head into the sanctuary, where they'll see a slideshow and be entertained by LEHS' all-state choir member Michael Alonzo.

"They'll then meet their guide and his family before heading outside, where they'll encounter Roman soldiers, visit the marketplace, travel by shepherds in a field to a Roman checkpoint where their passport will be stamped to the gates of Bethlehem and the inn before ending at the manger scene for Christ's birth.” Vivian also promises a few surprises along the way.

"It's around a 20-minute walk, which families can squeeze into their busy holiday rush," she added.

With the nativity running rain or shine, fire pits will also be available for visitors to warm up by.

Commemorative ornaments and bracelets will be available for purchase, with refreshments also provided.

"It's a really nice evening, and a little more meaningful," Vivian said.

Vivian notes that the nativity is a true community effort.

"We have a cast of 65, all members of the community, including Coach Beran, Tisha Schultz, who's an assistant principal at Chavez and Mrs. Sanchez," she said, "along with over 60 volunteers, from those helping with set and costume design to passports to traffic.

"We have five area churches -- all denominations -- represented, which is wonderful to see. That, to me, is what it's all about, that we're working together as one body of Christ.

"That's the real reason we do this. It's two ministries in one: one, working together and, two, telling the gospel. That's why I love being a part of it.” While admission is free, donations are appreciated.