Since 2016, theBennington Congregational Church has put on a Live Nativity in December. This was the brainchild of Melissa Penny Lawless, who often preaches at the church. She said that she had a strong urge “to bring Baby Jesus to Bennington” that year. To pursue the idea, Rev. Lawless gathered a team of local women: Anne Trow, Linda Osienski, and Molly Flower Eppig to plan it. Interestingly, although they all live in Bennington, only one of them was a member of the church. Perhaps this is the strength of the endeavor — everyone, whether churched, unchurched, or differently churched, comes together to make the Live Nativity happen.

Rev Lawless wrote the script, costumes were designed and made, a stable was built, a cast was assembled, and the show went up! Every year there is a worry that we will not find volunteers with a little baby to be the Holy Family — but every year, the stars align and the show goes on. Children of all ages play shepherds and angels. Town worthies portray the Wise Men, Innkeepers, and King Herod. The Angel Gabriel shimmers in her costume, and live sheep enliven the play. In the past few years, a young girl has been the narrator, adding to the charm and simplicity of the story. The script is punctuated with appropriate Christmas carols to which the audience can sing along. Sometimes, a light snow drifts down on the scene, making it look like a Christmas card. It is a lovely, small-town experience.

The next installment of the Bennington NH Historical Society Blog will be posted on January 14, 2025. If you click the Subscribe button, all future posts will be sent straight to your inbox every month – for free.