In hopes of sharing
the Christmas message with as many people as
possible, Bob and Virginia Baird are
spearheading the staging of several unique
live Nativity scenes in Salt Lake City.
The Bairds of the West
Jordan Utah Bingham Creek Stake have taken
the traditional idea of a living Nativity
and turned it into a multiple-act production
featuring original music and a staff of more
than 100 volunteers.
"I wanted to make
it a musical that really brought people a
little closer to the whole spirit of
Christmas," Sister Baird said. "It focuses
on the Savior and His birth, the purposes of
His birth."
Michael
Brandy
The production,
titled "Echoes of Christmas," includes six
live Nativity scenes replete with singing
actors who depict Mary, Joseph, shepherds,
wise men and other staples of the Christmas
story. Live animals include sheep, a camel,
goats and a donkey.
"I have such a love
for the Savior and what He's done for me
that I've committed to share His message,"
Sister Baird said. "The most important thing
is, if we can let other people know what His
true message is, and that they can feel His
love and know how important they are and
feel the joy that comes from following the
example He sets, then that brings us joy."
For the Bairds, it
was important for "Echoes of Christmas" to
appeal not only to the sensibilities of
Church members, but to men and women of
other Christian faiths.
"It's not just
LDS," said Sister Baird. "We've addressed
this in a non-denominational structure so
that all Christian faiths can enjoy it and
be touched by it and bring them closer to
the Savior. I believe that all faiths need
to walk together on the common ground that
we have to preserve our freedom to worship
the way we want to."
Michael
Brandy
"Echoes of
Christmas" is showing from 7 to 9 p.m.
nightly, except Sunday, thru Dec. 23 at
Liberty Park, located at 900 South 600 East
in Salt Lake City. The event is free and
lasts approximately 40 minutes — about half
of which is spent walking from one scene to
the next. For more information, visit
echoesofchristmas.com
jaskar@desnews.com
Jared Page
contributed to this article.
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