It wasn't a slick, well-rehearsed Christmas production, but then again, it wasn't meant to be.
Concord Baptist Church Pastor Monte Shinkle even made reference to the "dull roar" from the children in the church lobby waiting to be a part of the church's annual Bathrobe Nativity Service Sunday evening. The kids were being kids, horsing around and having a good time. The wise men were poking each other with their staffs, and the angels were lifting up their dresses, and, in some cases, lifting up the smaller angels.
Even when the production started on stage, an occasional performer was seen crawling up or down the steps. And at least one angel took a tumble down a few steps, quickly popping back up.
Concord's annual event is like many other church events that use children to tell the story of Jesus' birth. The difference: Concord avoids the intricate costumes and memorized lines, as well as the hours and hours of practice that goes along with that.
"We keep it simple," said the Rev. Chris Thompson, the church's children and family pastor. "It's not high pressure. The parents can relax, and the kids can relax."
Ben and Heather Hawkins have gone to the event for the past three years. Their daughter Emma, 4, portrayed an angel, while son Noah, 3, was a wise man.
"It's just a neat way to celebrate Christmas and celebrate what it's all about - God sending his son into the world to save us from our sins," Ben Hawkins said. "And it helps reinforce that for our kids."
The low-key event still drew a big crowd of family and friends to see the event, which also featured solo vocalists and musicians.
Shinkle said the event harkens back to a more simpler time of the small church he attended in Kentucky as a youth. He said Concord has been putting on the production for all 17 years the church has been at its current location on Truman Boulevard across from Capital Mall.
He said the idea is for the kids to come as they are, wearing a bathrobe or something else they can quickly find in their closet. Thompson said the kids generally divide into four groups - angels, shepherds wise men and main characters (Joseph, Mary, etc.) - and the church has costumes they can quickly put on over whatever they're wearing.
"The whole thing is, we want every child to participate," Shinkle said.