UPDATE: A live Nativity play at Briarwood Baptist Church in Lauderdale County, Mississippi faced unexpected challenges as temperatures plunged to record lows on December 12, 2025. The evening, billed as “A Night of Miracles,” became a memorable test of resilience and creativity for the small church community.
As excitement built among the children’s choir, the church prepared for a unique performance featuring real animals, including a pony and five sheep. However, tragedy struck just a day before the event when the original pony was killed in an accident. Despite this setback, the church borrowed another pony, albeit one with limited acting skills, and the production moved forward.
The night of the performance brought frigid temperatures, prompting organizers to initially house the audience inside the warm church. As families filled the auditorium, the excitement was palpable. But when the audience transitioned to the outdoor metal chairs, they encountered a shocking chill that made the performance all the more challenging.
“It was a miracle alright — a miracle that we all lived through it!” quipped Anne McKee, the event organizer, as the children’s teeth chattered through classic carols. Mary, played on the substitute pony, and Joseph, on crutches due to a recent injury, added to the charm of the evening, even as the pony balked during a critical moment.
With the set constructed from refrigerator boxes and an elderly church member playing the innkeeper from behind a stuck door, the scene was set for an unforgettable night. Just when it seemed the play could not face any more challenges, word spread that the borrowed sheep had escaped.
In a moment of panic, McKee turned to her husband for help. “How much do sheep cost?” she asked, knowing the answer was likely to be more than they could afford. Fortunately, her husband, stationed with a spotlight in the back of their pickup truck, illuminated the nearby woods, revealing the sheep grazing peacefully.
After the performance, attendees gathered in the church hall for Christmas cookies and wassail, celebrating a night filled with warmth, laughter, and unexpected twists. “You have taken me down some long, winding paths in our lives, but this one has got to be the most inspiring!” her husband said, tears of joy in his eyes.
The event exemplified community spirit and the joy of Christmas, even in the face of adversity. As McKee reflected on the night, she concluded, “God blessed us with the very warmest, cold Christmas ever!”
This heartfelt story from Briarwood Baptist Church is a testament to the power of creativity and community in overcoming challenges, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated.