Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH
A MILLICENT church has continued with its long December 24 tradition of re-enacting the story of the first Christmas with a nativity play.
St Paul’s Lutheran Church did not use its worship centre on Main Street for the 30-minute event, but instead presented it at a central location in Railway Terrace.
The live nativity complete with fowls and sheep was held in balmy weather in the Millicent railway lands.
Key roles were played by Jill Nuske (St Mary), her husband David Nuske (St Joseph) and Ryder Tedham (baby Jesus).
Millicent GP and St Paul’s Church Council chairman Dr Stephan Van Eeden was cast as one of the three wise men and there were also roles for other parishioners such as angels, shepherds and narrators.
Among the gathering of 150 was Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll OAM.
As part of the Christmas Eve celebrations, there were six carols sung by a choir from various churches, as well as a free barbecue and gift bags for children.
The Lutheran church had originally scheduled the nativity play at this venue on December 15, but heavy showers forced its postponement.
Nativity play coordinator Helene Van Eeden said she appreciated the strong community support for the event.
Originally from South Africa, Ms Van Eeden said past nativity plays had been held at St Paul’s.
“This is our 16th Christmas in Millicent,” Ms Van Eeden said.
Meanwhile, above average attendances were recorded at various churches across Millicent and district on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The largest attendance was at the family mass at St Alphonsus Church at 6pm on Christmas Eve.
Most commercial activity ceased in Millicent on Christmas Day with notable exceptions being the town’s two staffed service stations and one of the hotels.
There were a number of callers to the Millicent cemetery.
As usual, there was no production at the Kimberly-Clark Australia Millicent Mill.
