Journey to Christ’s birth at the Live Nativity
COSHOCTON – With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s hard to focus on the true meaning of the season. This Christmas, take a step back in time to the busy marketplace of Bethlehem, the tax collectors on the streets, the inn where Mary and Joseph were turned away, angels proclaiming the good news through song, shepherds in the fields watching their flocks, and finally, the stable where the Prince of Peace was born. All of this and more can be seen at the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle’s Live Nativity Dec. 6-8 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
“The marketplace scene is really neat,” said Jamie Williams, PR coordinator for the event. “It’s our biggest scene with people dressed in Biblical times and walking around selling wares and buying things.”
The Live Nativity doesn’t stop with the birth of Jesus. It continues throughout his life and death, ending with his resurrection.
“We want to show the whole story so everyone gets the idea of why he came, why he was born, and why he died,” said Jackie Wagner, coordinator of the event since its inception 16 years ago.
More than 100 church members participate in this event each year, the youngest being an infant and the oldest this year is 70 years old. Live animals, including three camels, meander through the different Biblical scenes. The event is drive-thru only and luminaries will light the way. At the end of the drive-thru, everyone will receive a CD of the Christmas story as told by the pastor of the church.
“It tells the Christmas story,” said Wagner. “And people like hearing what it’s really about. It’s a great family event.”
The Live Nativity has always been well-received by the community and has become a tradition for a lot of Coshocton residents, and for the church as well.
“I think it’s an awesome way to start out the Christmas season,” said Williams. “To take a pause and remember the reason for the season. It’s something we all enjoy doing and it’s our free gift to the community.”
Category: Faith