Monday, December 08, 2008

Living Nativity

Several years ago, not long after we "got sheep", we were contacted about providing a sheep for a living Nativity scene at a local church. We turned them down, and every year since I've wished that we'd done it.

Well, yesterday, we were contacted again about providing sheep for a living Nativity PLAY. They want two or three sheep that lead, as they are given a real part in the play. This church has two nights of several performances each. The sheep will be led by young shepherds, and have a pen for between performances to meet "their public". It is a very popular event garnering hundreds of spectators.

This time I said YES. Now, how do I decide which sheep to take??? All of the sheep are halter trained to some extent. The little Shetland rams are so cute, but can be rammy. Silver Lining is just as cute and leads quite well, and could go with her mom, Bessie, or with Astrid, who is more her size. Marissa and Asa are still fluffy, though they can be headstrong. Electra is a good ambassador, though, she can be challenging at times to lead. Then there are the Gotland crosses. Bossie has been a Ladies' Lead sheep multiple times, and, well, is another headstrong sheep and larger than the Shetlands. Bits is so very friendly and not quite as well halter trained. Charcoal is another former Ladies' Lead sheep, but I think she's carrying AI lambs, and don't want to jeapordize them at all! The horned Scottish Blackface ewes, Sweet Pea and Eve, lead very well and would be quite impressive. Hmmm, they might be bigger than the Shepherds, and could go just about anywhere they wanted. Better stick with Shetlands :-)

If you're in the area, please come by and say hello! We'll be at the Highline Christian Church in Burien. It's on the SW corner of First Avenue South and S 148th St. Performances are Friday at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 pm and Saturday at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30pm.

3 comments:

Donna said...

Wow! That sounds like a great experience for you and your sheep! Yes, definitely pick the Shetlands- they are perfect for this type of gig! It's right by my dad's house too but unfortunately I'll be working- dang!

Have fun!

Dave said...

I think Sweetpea and Eve would look the most impressive, but Sweetpea can be a bit of a handful if she thinks there is food waiting somewhere for her :) I think that Lini would be the cutest and maybe Astrid with her, even though they are not the traditional white sheep most folks would equate with the nativity...

Tina said...

Very cool! Remember the camera. :)