Sydney Olszewski, 7; Gavin Kempa, 10; and Jason Kurtzman Jr., 4½ months, portray the Holy Family in a living nativity.

Photo Credit: Nancy Chapman

Sydney Olszewski, 7; Gavin Kempa, 10; and Jason Kurtzman Jr., 4½ months, portray the members of the Holy Family.

Photo Credit: Nancy Chapman

Jason Kurtzman Jr., 4½ months, pats a donkey after portraying the baby Jesus in a living nativity.

Photo Credit: Nancy Chapman

Chris Everett handles a donkey, part of the petting zoo at the living nativity.

Photo Credit: Nancy Chapman

Jason Kurtzman Jr., 4½ months, lies swaddled in the manger Monday.

Photo Credit: Nancy Chapman

Little Jason Kurtzman Jr. had his first acting role Monday – the 4½-month-old played the baby Jesus in a living nativity at Christ Episcopal Church in East Norwalk. The annual living nativity was held in conjunction with the Third Taxing District's tree-lighting event just down the street.

Sydney Olszewski, 7, whose step-grandfather is the church's minister, played the Virgin Mary and Gavin Kempa, 10, was Joseph. A donkey from Pied Piper Pony Rides in Patterson, N.Y., and several sheep completed the authentic scene.

Visitors were welcomed inside the church, where the organist played hymns.

Jason looked comfortable lying in the manger, swaddled in layers of clothing and covered with a white knit blanket. "I was worried about the cold," said dad Jason Kurtzman Sr. "But he's doing well."

Upcoming events at Christ Episcopal include Christmas Eve services at 5:30 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24; First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols at 8 a.m.; and services at 10 a.m. Dec. 26.