The Tableaux Story as told by Saint Andrew’s Church

"Experience the Jesus Story" was the phrase coined by the church to describe the scenes and lights on display.

January 5, 2019

Rivelle Govindsamy 2 minutes read

Experiencing the Jesus story here are Phumi Sanders and her children Sammy (2), Mbali (11) and Lwandle (6).

Saint Andrew’s Church, in Rynfield, held its annual tableaux over the festive season and drew in scores of people, tallying into the thousands, according to church member Lynne Hugo and Pastor Royden Blackwell.

The tableaux consisted of lights all around the church telling the story of Jesus from birth until ascension and has been running at the church for 10 years during the festive period.

Blackwell stated that the mission statement of the church is “to be a light unto Africa” and this tied in with the display.

“The idea behind it is to represent the gospel with the nativity display,” explained Blackwell.

“This helps people to understand the essence of the season and not instantly link it to a fat guy in a red suit.”

Scenes were illustrated with the use of wire figurines, created by a wire artist known as Talent, who plies his trade in the vicinity of the Bunny Park.

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The display consisted of 20 handmade figures, 15 animals, eight stations and hundreds of meters of cabling and lights.

Familiar scenes that were highlighted were: The Inn – the birth of Jesus, Shepherds in the Fields, The Magi, Three Crosses – The Crucifixion, The Empty Tomb – Jesus rises from the Dead, In the Garden – Mary Magdalene and Jesus, The Ascension – Jesus returns to Heaven and Men of Galilee – Jesus will Return.

Hugo said that the element of commercialisation was removed from the equation as the sole focus of the display was based on the Bible and novelties, such as Christmas trees and festive décor, usually associated with the holidays did not feature.

“It’s emotional for most people,” said Hugo about the experience when visiting the church to view the lights.

“Some have lost loved ones and they are hurting during this period.

“People are able to come through, have the Jesus experience and fellowship with those around them.

“It’s wonderful to see all these people here.

“It’s truly beautiful when different nationalities bond together to experience the gospel.”

Blackwell added that the most important thing for those in attendance to understand is the love of Jesus.

The display ran from early November for school children and was later opened to the public until December 24 with a special Carols by Candlelight service held on December 23.