‘Living nativity’ scene shows Santa bowing to baby Jesus

A "living nativity" scene which was put on by the Baptist Temple Church in Fall River, Mass., on Sunday didn’t just feature baby Jesus -- jolly St. Nick was there as well.

In the scene, Santa was really getting into the Christmas spirit by bowing to Jesus.

“The true message of Christmas is about Jesus’ birth,” said Shirley Johnson, who is married to church pastor Rev. Michael Johnson. “And you know what Christmas has become for many. ... It’s about Santa and the gifts. That’s why we’re showing Santa bowing the knee to baby Jesus. We all need to bow the knee.”

The nativity scene also featured standards like the snow-covered manger, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd and two wise men.

Shirley got the idea for the twist on the traditional scene from a Santa figurine in a bowing pose she saw 25 years ago. “It struck me as a powerful message,” she said. “So I had the vision in my heart to do this scene live -- and it all worked out for us to do it this year.”

The living nativity scene featured costumes that were at least 25 years old and it was followed by an impromptu rendition of “Joy to the World.”

[The Herald News]