Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church holds 42nd edition of the annual holiday event, which includes live animals and Bethlehem crèche scene before performance
The 42nd annual Solvang Nativity Pageant was held on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church to an overflowing crowd. This was the second year that the pageant was held at the church and organized by Autumn van der Linden. The event was also live streamed for the overflow in Holy Grounds Coffee and Library, located on the property.
The event began at 4 p.m., when attendees could visit with live animals in a garden setting. There was also a Bethlehem crèche scene where guests could take family photos.
The doors to the Sanctuary opened at 5 p.m. to traditional Christmas music provided by the Santa Barbara Strings.
C.J. Jackson, the narrator, began to tell the story of the Nativity, beginning with the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, telling her to, “Fear not, for she had found favor with God.” He told her that she was with child, a son to be named Jesus. Members of the Adult Choir and the Worship Band filled the sanctuary with song and music. Jackson continued with the story, recalling the visit Mary made to her cousin Elizabeth to tell her the great news.
The narrative continued with the birth of Jesus in a stable; the frightened shepherds tending their flocks and the appearance of an angel saying, “Do not be afraid, I bring you tidings of great joy, a savior is born and is lying in a manger”; the visit of the three wise men with King Herod in their search for the newborn king; the jealous King Herod desperately wanting to find out where this “new king” was in order to kill him; and the visit to the manger by the Magi bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and returning home another way so as not to inform Herod of the location of the baby Jesus.
The story was interspersed with an array of little angels and shepherds singing and adorably acting out some of the words; singing by the adult choir, led by Alan Satchwell; Sarah Kiser and her son Judah singing a duet accompanied by Tyler Ogletree on guitar; and a solo by Autumn van der Linden accompanied by the Worship Band, with Alan Satchwell on the piano, and backed up by the Adult Choir led by Nancy Swanitz.
The new pastor, Gunnar Tesdahl, gave the closing message.
The pageant came to a close as the audience stood and sang “Silent Night” and exited the sanctuary to gather together for food and fellowship after the performance.
Light snacks and goodies were provided, including freshly made pizza donated by Pizzeria Lucca, along with an assortment of chili and all the trimmings. Children busied themselves creating a variety of Christmas crafts.
The cast consisted of CJ Jackson, narrator; Larry Sommers as Angel Gabriel; Mellissa Diggins as Mary; Sean Diggins as Joseph; Marilyn Sommers as Elizabeth; and Courtney De La Vega as the Angel of the Lord. The shepherds were played by Jenavieve De LaVega, William Gallo, and Henry Gallo; King Herod was played by Larry Skahill; the priest was Marty Scionti; the Roman soldier was played by Jake Oman; and the Maji were Daniel DeLaVega, Nathan VanBergen, and Gabe Clow.
“A special thanks to the Santa Barbara Strings, directed by Mary Beth Woodruff; harpists, Emma Tesdahl, Gina Tesdahl, Taylor Muncaster, Holly Harper, and Rachel Mello; accompanist Nancy Swanitz; the Children’s Choir and their parents; the Adult Choir, directed by Alan Satchwell, the Worship Band; and the many volunteers who made this evening possible,” said van der Linden.
