Dressed as sheep, shepherds, the three magi, innkeepers, angels and the Holy Family, multigenerational actors performed the traditional Nativity play at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton — the first of three Christmas Eve services on December 24.
In between scenes of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, parishioners sang traditional songs including “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “We Three Kings,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and many others.
Left, Ella Gordon, who played Mary in the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton’s Nativity play on Dec. 24, is seen placing the baby Jesus in the manger. Sitting next to her, from left, are Liz Roderick (innkeeper), Penny Welles (innkeeper), and Carter O’Donnell (Joseph). (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
From left, Haley Dale, as the angel Gabriel; Ella Gordon, as Mary; and narrator Vivvy Dale performed during the Nativity play on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) From left, Meredith Ritter sings “What Child is This” as narrator Vivvy Dale stands nearby on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton, ahead of the performance of the Nativity play. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Parishioners are seen singing on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton, ahead of the performance of the Nativity play. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
The Rev. Parisa Parsa gave the opening words before the Nativity play performance on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
During the performance of the Nativity play on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton, Haley Dale (center, in white) played the angel Gabriel, who tells Mary she would be giving birth to Jesus. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Right, at podium, narrator Vivvy Dale performed during the Nativity play on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. During the scene, shepherds and lambs are seen visiting the Holy Family. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Bobbie Sproat plays one of three magi on Dec. 24, during the Nativity performance at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. She was bringing the gift of frankincense to the baby Jesus. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Matt Ritter plays one of three magi on Dec. 24, during the Nativity performance at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. He was bringing the gift of myrrh to the baby Jesus. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Ella Gordon, who played Mary in the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton’s Nativity play on Dec. 24, is seen leaving the stage with the baby Jesus. The church is located in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
John Dundon leads fellow shepherds and lambs from the stage during the Nativity play held on Dec. 24, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
