Community theatre is endorsed by all churches in Springfield whose members give freely of their time and talents in producing a Christmas pageant.  The Springfield Nativity Pageant re-enacts the story of The First Christmas in the outdoors with an all local cast representing the characters of the Nativity, a live manger scene — including camels — and special lighting and music, featuring a community chorus.  This pageant is presented free of charge — a gift from the community of Springfield. It is the mission of the Springfield Area Nativity Theatre Association to produce a pageant of Christmas with the profound desire that all who share in it will experience hope, faith and everlasting joy — the true meaning of Christmas.