Tammie Ricci and 11-week-old daughter Gianna of Seekonk star as Mary and Jesus braving the crisp weather during Seekonk Congregational Church's live nativity scene on Tuesday.

SEEKONK - The shepherd and wise men are not all male, but the infant is definitely real, and so is the Christmas spirit displayed in the Seekonk's Congregational Church four-night-long living crèche, now in it's 20th year at the church.

"I brought the idea from a previous church I worked at it Foster, and I think it probably was the first such display in the town," said long-time pastor Rev. Joy Utter, who gets help with the annual project from Rev. Marilyn Ricci and Deacon Todd Cole.

Each year for two decades, the church has put together a display of real people dressed in timeless nativity costumes designed and sewn from 5 to 20 years ago The headpieces worn by the shepherds, said Rev. Utter, actually came from the holy land.

"Each year we have St. Joseph, Mary and an infant, three wisemen, three shepherds, three angels, and two live sheep. Some of the shepherds and the wisemen are women – so I guess you'd have to call them wise people. As for the angels, we traditionally have trouble finding men who wants to be angels, though there is precedence for that, with Archangel Gabriel," said the pastor.

Starting a little after 7 p.m. each night, participants are arranged around and within the crèche, which has a star illuminated above. Then there are Bible readings, and everyone sings Christmas carols.

"Our volunteers are usually all local people, and it's kind of touching to watch," said the pastor.

Asked about everyone's reaction to the cold weather, Mrs. Utter said participants were careful to dress warmly. The infant in the nativity scene, usually a 4 to 5 month old, is wrapped in several warm layers of clothing. To save wear-and-tear on the babies, different mother and child combinations sometime take part in the display on different nights.

Rev. Utter added that the sheep, who over the years have come from three different states, have for the last several been provided by the local Dunacan family. They remain on the site through the holiday season.

"I've actually gotten some calls this year, from people asking whether it's too cold for the sheep. The owners have reassured me that they're used to this and quite safe," said Rev. Utter.

The church's living crèche will continue nightly through Dec. 23.

by Pamela J. Braman

pbraman@eastbaynewspapers.com