Second Baptist enlivens the holidays

Amid the hustle and bustle that tends to put a strain on the holiday season, it can be easy to forget the quiet and holy night that made the season at all possible.

With this concern in mind, the Rev. Randy Duckett of Second Baptist Church said he believes the live Nativity scene tableaux, which Second Baptist Church is now putting on for its 53rd consecutive year, brings a sense of calm to both its audiences and performers.

"It's an opportunity for me to be still, to stand and reflect on the impact that Christ has made," said Duckett, who plays Joseph during a segment of the presentation. "We hope to communicate that and hope that (the audience) will experience the season through the power of the Nativity."

The live and still scene features a 30-minute CD of Christmas songs that accompany Duckett's recorded narration of the story of Jesus' birth. After each completion of the CD, another set of performers replace the other performers - an exchange happens four times each night.

Youth pastor Robert Weber said the experience is phenomenal and is one of the best times all year long.

"It's been great, and I seldom get to sit still - it's hard for me because I'm hyper," he said. But nevertheless, he still finds the performance uplifting. "God speaks through us, and I feel closer to His word. Some people that come to watch have never heard the story before, and it's nice to add this visual aspect."

The event is made possible with the help of around 60 to 70 members of the congregation, some of whom work in the gym distributing hot coffee and doughnuts while others pass out postcards with an image of a past Second Baptist tableaux on the front and some of Christ's message on the back.

"It's the highlight for the year and the most successful of our fellowship events. It brings us together nightly for one purpose," Duckett said.

And the long-standing tradition continues to be a fixture for the church community.

"People who are no longer able to stand come into the gym," Duckett said. "There have been people standing with us for 40 years, and if people leave to live in other towns, they come back because the tableaux is a bond that ties people together."

But the bonds built throughout the tableaux's tradition would not have been possible without the event itself of Christ's birth.

"The simplicity of the Nativity's presence allows people to be still. Life brings chaos and people look for calm," Duckett said. "When people stop and watch the presentation and reflect upon this reality, it gives people the chance to think about the difference He's made, and it brings calm to their chaos."

The Basics

>> What: A live Nativity scene tableaux performed by members of Second Baptist Church.

>> When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

>> Where: Second Baptist Church, 711 E 17th St.

>> Free admission.