Mercy Medical Center presents living nativity, bishop offers blessing

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Dec. 20, 2007

"The Real Gift of Christmas," a living nativity scene, drew a crowd at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City on Dec. 17.

Siouxland residents and visitors were able to observe the scene, which portrayed the birth of Christ, at Mercy's Fifth Street Heart Center entrance. Mercy staff members played the roles of Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds and the three kings in Biblical costumes. There were also live animals.

Paul Dougherty, president and CEO at Mercy, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Mercy family. This was his second year as part of the event.

Bishop R. Walker Nickless was also on hand for the holiday observance. He offered a special invocation and thanked everyone for being there. He said it was probably cold on Christmas night when Jesus was born just as it was that night.

"May the grace and peace of our Lord who was born of the Virgin Mary be with you all," said the bishop. "As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we pause to bless this Christmas manger scene. The practice of erecting mangers was begun by St. Francis of Assisi as a means to send forth the message of Christmas. When we look upon the figures that will soon be part of the manger scene, the Christmas Gospel comes alive. We are moved to rejoice in the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God."

Bishop Nickless asked God's blessing on the Christmas manger, those gathered and those who "reflect on the birth of Jesus. May they share in the salvation he accomplished."

He then said petitions for the church, the world, families and homes, parents and staff and patients at Mercy with the response, "Lord hear our prayer."

"When our need for a savior was great, you sent your son to be born of the Virgin Mary and touch our lives. He brings joy and peace, justice and love," said the bishop. "Lord, bless all who look upon this manger. May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus and raise up our thoughts to him, who is God with us and savior of all."

The story of the nativity was read with Christmas hymns sung between each part of the story. Jim and Bev Wharton led the songs including Away in a Manger, We Three Kings, Silent Night and others. During each song the characters of the nativity filled the manger.

"Lord, as we pray before this nativity scene and await the feast of the birth of the holy child, enable us to wonder and rejoice again at the miracle of Christmas," said Bishop Nickless. "As the Magi came carrying gifts, may we this Christmas gift one another with the gold of charity, the myrrh of kindness and the incense of prayer. May the star of Bethlehem, which shone brightly over the first crib, stand guard over Mercy Medical Center filling it and all here with light and peace."

A visit from Santa Claus was included in the evening activities along with an opportunity for the children to make Christmas cards for patients who will be in the hospital during the holidays. Adults and children had a chance to ride a horse-drawn trolley through the downtown area.

Sharon Vande Vegte brought her two daughters to the event and was able to take them on the trolley ride. She found out about the event from a flier in the hospital's elevator.

"I thought it was really nice," she said. "It shows them what Christmas is really about."

Diane Merchant decided to attend the event at Mercy because she wanted to attend something that had a "religious air to it for Christmas and really made me feel what the reason for the season was."

"I loved it. I thought the singing was good. It was beautiful," she said.

Hospital members also served hot dogs and hot ham and cheese sandwiches for those attending the event.

There was no charge for any part of the special celebration, which Mercy Medical Center considers its holiday gift to the community. This is the sixth year that the Mercy staff members have organized a living nativity scene.

The living nativity and evening of celebration was sponsored in part by Morningside Lutheran Church, Interbake Foods, Palmer Candy Company, Bomgaars and Kroll's Hilly Acres.