Nashville nativity scene brings community together, while staying apart

By Levi Ismail

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The congregation of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is drawing on experience to create a nativity scene they hope brings people together, while remaining apart.

Pastor Jane Herring and her daughter Annie came up with the idea when brainstorming how to help parishioners feel like Christmas wasn’t forgotten. Using the materials at hand, they transformed a nearby patio into a nativity scene complete with lights.

Wednesday night, strong winds blew many of the pieces to the ground. The very next day is when we found Gus Laux helping to clean up. Anyone watching his efforts may have thought Laux created the works of art himself. As it turns out, he is just a neighbor who appreciates art when he sees it. Sure he makes it to the occasional church get-together, but he knows those may not happen again anytime soon.

“The church is taking this very seriously for the health and benefit of everybody,” Laux said.

People are instead encouraged to drive through, take in the scene and who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of someone they haven’t seen in months.

The idea was never to make this perfect, but to show parishioners this church still cares even from afar.

“This was a way to help not only the members of the congregation but everyone in the community to come by and see something,” Laux said.

The nativity scene will remain up through January 6 and will be illuminated at night for anyone planning a visit.