COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- In a world where historic buildings are demolished and the past is simply remembered, First Congregational Church is celebrating a tradition 100 years in the making.
"The minister's wife Helen Ranney wrote this Mystery. That's what we call it, a Mystery. They were common in the 10th to the 14th century and from Europe," a church member, Nancy Forgy, said.
The Christmas Mystery is unlike most Christmas pageants because it has no words and is portrayed through music.
In the drama, the angel choir is made up of high school and college-aged women with the shepherds portrayed by male singers.
The Christ Child, or "Bambino," is original. It came to the church from Italy around 1900 and was lent to the congregation each year by the Haney Family until 2009, when it was permanently donated.
"It brings a long and beautiful tradition into the present and helps us remember the important message," Mike Matthews, a church member, said.
The church is steeped in tradition, with wood accents and stained glass windows.
They have also maintained the authenticity of their 19th century building by knitting the generations together by keeping every detail in tact.
Even withholding the identities of the people playing Mary and Joseph.
"One of our angel's father is Joseph this year, but she didn't know until after the Mystery was over and looking for her father, where is he to take me home and of course he was joseph," Forgy said.
The Mystery behind the Christmas Mystery is part of the Church's longest running tradition, but the simplicity and familiarity is what makes it the most popular church event.
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