Cast members got a sleigh ride after the Sunday performance in 2021. Photos from Holmes UMC facebook.

"Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh" has a special meaning for the people who visit the Holmes United Methodist Church's Live Nativity story in its 33rd year. Each year members of the congregation share the story of the birth of Jesus from the horse arena owned by Dwight and Sara Ollman. When visitors arrive, they can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. 

Hot cider is served around a bonfire just outside the horse arena. People gather inside the horse arena. They can view live animals, including donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, and horses. Once it is time for the story to be shared, people seat themselves on strawbales. 

A stable is built as center stage. Rev. Mark Ellingson, a retired elder of the Dakotas Conference who served at the Prairie Faith Parish and continues to provide pulpit supply, is the narrator of the story.  

"People sit inside, but it is not heated. People sit on strawbales and watch the story," said Rev. Ellingson. "I have narrated the Live Nativity for 33 years." 

Three generations of actors.

Paul Lenz started the tradition for Holmes United Methodist Church, a country church located in rural Reynolds, North Dakota. Holmes is part of the Prairie Faith Parish. The parish includes Holmes UMC, Beaver Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

"Paul came to me when I was much younger. He was a young adult. He viewed a Live Nativity somewhere else and said, 'I think we should do that.' I thought he was nuts," said Pastor Mark. "Here we are 33 years later."

Costumes are made from bed sheets and fabrics that will allow the people that portray the characters to place the costume over their winter clothes. "The costumes are not necessarily terribly ornate because they need to go over winter clothes. We have some very puffy angels," said Ellingson. "They are homemade and serve the purpose." 

As Ellingson narrates the story, the characters walk into the stable scene. The characters move from the outside of the arena to inside the stable. Eventually, the entire stable is in place, complete with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, and angels. 

"We gather everyone in the manger scene. Throughout the narration of the story, familiar songs are sung. People can sing with us if they want," Pastor Mark said. "Some of the characters speak. The Angel Gabriel says, 'I bring you great joy.' A shepherd says, 'Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing.' So, we let the people say some parts, but the movement starts from the outside and ends at the manger scene. That creates the drama." 

The event is held for two consecutive nights and attracts approximately 500-600 people annually. The Ollman's horse arena is located one mile west of the church, 25 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota. People come from Grand Forks, Mayville, and Fargo. 

It takes all sorts of people to make the Live Nativity happen. But the congregation that sees 15-20 people in worship each Sunday faithfully steps up. 

The Holy Family in the Holmes UMC Live Nativity.

First, there is the setup. Machinery is moved out of the building. The field nearby is cleared of snow for people to park. Someone makes sure the costumes are cleaned and organized. The animals are transported and put into pens that are prepared. 

On the event day, volunteers help with parking, the bonfire, portraying the characters, seating people, lighting, and general hospitality. 

"Everyone steps up. There's a lot of preparation, and afterward, we've got to clean up, even after these animals," said Ellingson. "It is worth it. People comment, 'this makes our Christmas' or, 'It's not Christmas until we've been to this.' People enjoy coming and bringing their families. It makes Christmas meaningful for them."

The COVID pandemic did not stop the 36-member congregation from hosting the event. It was held in Haymow so people could drive in to hear and view from their cars. You can view the 2021 experience here.   

Update: Sadly, the weather has caused the cancelation of the 2022 event. This post on Facebook shares the news of the cancellation: "Putting safety first, the Holmes Church has decided to cancel this year's Live Nativity, which was scheduled for Sunday and Monday, December 18 and 19. Facing all the snow, the icy and dangerous roads, and the coming cold, this decision was not what we wanted, but it is the right thing." 

This was the first time in 33 years that the event was canceled.  

"We have never had to cancel," said Pastor Mark. "We will continue to do this because this is what Christmas is all about."  

View Photos on facebook here.