An Atlanta Christmas Tradition for 64 years

In 1953 folks at Rock Spring church had an idea -they decided to present a Live Nativity in front of the church on Piedmont Ave. In the beginning the costumes were bathrobes and milk jug crowns. The first year a young cow was borrowed from a local diary who turned out to be too large for the Nativity scene. It is told that the cow, perhaps because her feelings were hurt for being excluded, escaped and ran down Montgomery Ferry to Ansley Golf Club with police and church members giving chase. Over the years the costumes were given a major upgrade, and the stable is now a sturdy construction complete with scaffolding for the Angel.

The Live Nativity tells the story of Christ's birth. The action takes place around the stable and manger of the baby Jesus. The stories used in the scene come from several books of the New Testament bible and combine times and events to succinctly tell the tale.

Many families have made the Live Nativity at Rock Spring a part of their Christmas tradition. The families gather by the split rail fence around the stable to get a view of the Holy family and perhaps get close enough to pet a sheep or goat. Rain does not deter these devotees and they come dressed for the weather, whether with umbrellas, coats and mittens or even sweatshirts or tee shirts. Some families sign up to be costumed actors themselves, as there are many roles for adults and children in the scene. And after a half hour scene there is the warming up to look forward to with hot cocoa, hot cider or hot coffee with plenty of festive snacks in fellowship hall.

Some of those who have made the Live Nativity at Rock Spring a tradition are former church members who have moved further away, some are kids and families who have attended Rock Spring Preschool, some are Piedmont Heights or other nearby neighbors, and some have seen it on the news and on a lark visited the scene and have been coming ever since.

The Live Nativity at Rock Spring represents more than a display of the Christian birth narrative of Jesus. It speaks to the message of that story. Of how humility is a part of Jesus' life and the life of the church from the beginning. Of how a caring community gathering together, especially in difficult times, can make a situation bearable. Of how God is active in our stories. Of how people can still gather (in costumes and farmyard animals) after 64 years to proclaim anew faith in God's peace and love.