The Mormon Nativity Pageant

By Don McAreavy

I haven’t been to the LDS Nativity Pageant in Calgary for many years but thought I should take it in after the notice that these events may come to a close after 2019.

What struck me the most was the brevity of the production – it couldn’t have been more than 15 minutes long.  Also, they had bleachers and hay bales to accommodate about 500 faithful at each sitting.

As usual, the Mormon Church spared no expense in putting out a grade A production with a donkey, sheep, and three llamas that imitated camels.  The costumes, sound system, parking attendants, and actors were as best as one could imagine from volunteers.

The program had the same format but its emphasis was changed to focus on the Deity of Christ wherein everyone came in front and knelt before the manger – including the angels.  Missing was the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah as the closing finale as the lights come on and the faithful trundled back to their cars.

Also missing was the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  Sure, there was the usual buzz and excitement, hello’s and waves as families recognized each other and a congenial family atmosphere.  Grandpa was well looked after as he shuffled his way to a good seat.  Everyone was in a Christmas mood – but there was an emptiness about the whole thing.

The Mormon Church went to every length to ensure the production was focused on the Christmas story and celebrated the birth of Jesus.  But when you have a false Jesus then according to the Apostle Paul you also have a false spirit and a false gospel. (2 Cor. 11:3-4).  In a 15-minute production, the doctrine was at a very minimum.

Am I glad I went?  Yes, but not because of the production, but because it gave me a renewed hunger and emphasis to reach Mormons who have been lied to and deceived.

That they can sing “round yon virgin mother and child” when Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Prophets Joseph Fielding Smith, Brigham Young, Lorenzo Snow and apologist Milton R. Hunter maintain God the Father has a body of flesh and bones thus denying the Virgin Birth of Jesus is not only heartbreaking but cruel and blasphemous.

You cannot fault the Mormon Church for its efforts but unless the Lord build the house, those that labour, labour in vain.  I drove away sad & blank and put in a reassuring DVD.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.