Christopher Guest turns 25 today. For 24 of those years, he has played a part in the live nativity scene at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church in Midtown. Over the years, the credit union teller has donned wings to channel an angel, a turban to channel a king, and a staff to channel a shepherd. This year, Guest will take over as director of the program, which runs Dec. 22-24 in front of the church and features real animals as well as human beings to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Guest admits to being a little nervous about his new role — there is a lot of history and family tradition to live up to. The church’s live nativity scene dates back to 1954. Guest’s mother not only co-directed the program for 25 years but also played various parts when she was a kid. “I’ve got plenty of people to help me,” Guest said. “As long as it goes well, I have done my job.” For more information on the Rock Spring Presbyterian Church’s live nativity scene, and times of performances, visit rspc.org/nativity.htm.
Q: What is so special about a live nativity scene?
A: You see churches that have the plastic or ceramic characters and yes, that makes you think about the story of how Jesus was born. For me, nothing brings out the feeling and the meaning of Christmas than seeing actual people with actual livestock.
Q: Are there any roles you haven’t played?
A: I was never the Baby Jesus. Typically, we use a very old doll for him. I haven’t played Mary. If we needed one, I’d step in and just keep my head down.
Q: How did the tradition get started at your church?
A: In 1953, the youth group wanted to do something for the Christmas season. They put on a live nativity scene and the church wanted to keep it going. We have been doing it ever since.
Q: Does the program take a lot of planning?
A: About 150 people are involved — everything is done by church members. Preparations start in October.
Q: How many folks come to see the performance?
A: We typically have 250 to 300 people, maybe more. Weather plays a huge factor.
Q: Does the show go on regardless of weather conditions?
A: Cold has never has stopped us. Ice or snow has never stopped us. The only thing that might stop us is if it is pouring rain. The kings’ costumes are very expensive and they are a fortune to dry clean. And then, we would probably have Mary and Joseph out there. If it is drizzling, we are there.
Q: Isn’t your angel positioned on scaffolding?
A: Yes. The scaffolding reaches 10-to-12 feet high. The angel’s wings are made of cardboard and coat hangers. When the wind is blowing and you are up there, it can get pretty scary.
Q: What kind of live animals do you have?
A: Typically three or four sheep, two goats, a baby goat and a donkey. Between the various scenes, kids can pet and feed them. They are from The Yellow River Game Ranch.
Q: Any mishaps over the years?
A: I don’t remember what year a cow got loose and took off down Piedmont Ave. It took six people and the Atlanta Police Department to track down the cow and get it back to the church.
Q: Your program is billed as the longest running live nativity scene in metro Atlanta. How do you know?
A: We are without a doubt the oldest. That is how we put it and no one has ever contested it.
Q: What does the live nativity scene offer your church?
A: It gets the community involved and the message of what the Christmas season is all about. It’s not about gifts or bows. It’s about the baby.
The Sunday conversation is edited for length and clarity. Writer Ann Hardie can be reached by email at ann.hardie@ymail.com.
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