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The Nativity: Bible Society style for our local community in Swindon

Author: Hazel Southam, 6 December 2017

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They came for tinsel and milk. They went having heard the greatest story.

Shoppers at ASDA in Swindon had a surprise, today, when Bible Society staged three pop-up performances of the Nativity. 

It began as Shepherds carried toy sheep; the three wise men brought gifts from John Lewis, Waitrose and Amazon; and Eeyore the donkey (who stole the show) made a pre-show trip round ASDA with its handler, the gospel-writer Luke, to buy carrots. 

Crowds stopped their shopping, and stood between the stands of night clothes, chocolate and Christmas trees to watch the story unfold.

Sue, a staff member at ASDA, said, ‘It’s really good. I’ve worked here for 33 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.’

Vicky said, ‘Shopping is normally boring, but today it’s been wonderful. It’s made our afternoon’.

And Richard, watching the show with his family added, ‘It’s lovely. I’d like to see it every year’.

The script was written by comedian Paul Kerensa, better known for his work writing TV hits Miranda and Not Going Out, as well as penning radio classic such as The Now ShowThe News Quiz and Dead Ringers

Paul Kerensa watched the performances. He said, ‘It’s been great fun. It’s important that people know the story because it’s part of our culture. But it’s important to come out to where people are and bring the story to them.

It’s hoped that, next year, churches around the country will be able to use the script to stage their own nativity productions in their communities – whether in a farm yard, a gym, or a shopping centre.

Rachel Rounds, Head of Corporate Communications for Bible Society said, ‘We would really like to encourage churches to use Advent as an opportunity to share the Nativity story in their local communities. It’s a chance to break through the noise and remind people why we celebrate Christmas and what it means for us all.

‘Today’s been great fun. We’ve all enjoyed ourselves. The response has been entirely positive. It’s been lovely to see school children and older people coming to watch, laughing at the jokes and sharing in the festive fun.’


This year, you can put on your own Instant Nativity and share the Christmas story with our resources for your school or church.


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