The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Nativity features narration

A teenager, Demicko Cannon of La Grange, stood motionless Monday night in front of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Carey Road as one of three wise men greeted the baby Jesus in a Nativity scene.

Biblical scholars believe Jesus was born sometime between 6 to 4 B.C.; the Gospel of Matthew records the birth of Jesus under Herod the Great who died in 4 B.C. Jesus’ birthday has been celebrated on Dec. 25 since the Roman Christians first celebrated on this day in about 330.

During the holiday season, churches nationwide uphold the traditions surrounding Jesus’ birth through song and worship.

For the past two days, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kinston have hosted a Nativity scene at the church. Cannon said he has participated in the Nativity for the past four years.

“I do this for the community,” Cannon said. “It brings joy to my heart to do something good.”

For those who want to see the church’s Nativity before Christmas, tonight is your last chance. The Nativity will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Nativity is visible from Carey Road where the church is located. For a better view, parking is available in the church parking lot for those who want to get a closer look.

The church will also serve cookies and hot chocolate to visitors with information about the church. During the presentation, a church member tells the story of Christ’s birth as it is written in Luke 2 through a recorded narration.

Church member Elissa Smith has organized the Nativity for the the past two years. She said some in the community have misconceptions about the Mormon Church and that its members don’t believe in Jesus Christ.

“We want the community to know we believe in Christ,” Smith said. “It’s fun for us to do the nativity.”

Susanna Robinson has attended the church for about 10 years. She showed her support for the Nativity Monday night.

“Christ’s birth is such a wonderful thing,” Robinson said. “We want to celebrate.”

Nearly 40 church members are helping run the Nativity again this year. The costumes used for the Nativity were donated by a church member.

The Latter Day Saint movement was founded in April 1830 by Joseph Smith Jr. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 13 million members worldwide with nearly 30,000 congregations.

Chris Lavender can be reached at 252-559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.