Embrace the True Spirit of the Season with a Live Nativity at The Bean Farm
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of holiday shopping, decorating and cooking and lose touch with the true meaning of the Christmas story. Doug and Julia Bean of The Bean Farm of Scotch Grove aim to bring that back with Live
Nativity events at their farm. This year marks the Nativity’s10th anniversary.
When Doug and Julia purchased the farm in 2011, in addition to building a simpler life for themselves, they had a vision of helping people to experience the peace of the countryside and grow their faith. Part of that plan included hosting a live Nativity during the Christmas season. “Faith is important to us and materialism at Christmastime leads to emptiness and disillusionment,” said Julia Bean. “The Nativity Story is a great story we can share with people of all ages and faiths. It’s become a Christmas tradition for us now.”
The first year the Beans put on the event, they rounded up some children from their church, ran one advertisement and drew about 70 people per performance. Fast forward 10 years and the event now draws around 1,500 throughout the weekend.
What can one expect when traveling to the Bean Farm for the Live Nativity event? The 90-minute experience is very interactive and features the Streets of Bethlehem in addition to the narrated Christmas Story. Attendees will experience what the streets of Bethlehem were like 2000 years ago, even getting counted for the census, encountering beggars and fending off Tax Collectors. Merchant shops include carpentry, bread, clay vessels, incense, herbs and oils.
Julia estimates that about 125 people are needed to make the event happen from actors to people helping with parking. The Bean’s’ orange barn cat Clyde may even make an appearance as Julia mentioned he enjoys spending time in the manger.
Julia describes the experience as “grounding, because without this story, none of the current traditions would exist.” She also believes that the experience will make people feel more connected not just to their faith but others as well. “People are often isolated in today’s society and this is a way to bring people together around a common story.”
Julia hopes that the feeling people take away stays with them beyond the season. “Our hope is to bring people ongoing joy and peace. This event and story stand the test of time.”
Admittance is suggested at $10/adult and $5/child. The Bean Farm is a non-profit 501(c)3 so your contribution is tax deductible. A share of the proceeds will go to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit that builds and donates beds to children who need them. Last year, the Beans donated a total of $6,000 to the organization.
Reflecting on her favorite part of putting on the event, Julia says it is “seeing the transformation in people—both the crew and attendees. The volunteers discover the uplifting experience of working alongside strangers that become fast friends. We are an unlikely mix of people with a variety of talents who experience the power of sharing the greatest story ever told!”