Journey back in time at the Live Nativity
COSHOCTON – Journey back to the time of Jesus’ birth during the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle’s Live Nativity on Dec. 11 – 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This unique drive-thru event depicts 13 scenes during the time of Christ, beginning with the market place at Bethlehem and the tax collector’s station to Mary and Joseph being turned away at the Inn. The journey continues with the angels praising the birth of Jesus and the manger scene, and then goes on to celebrate pivotal points in Jesus’ life including Jesus walking on water, His crucifixion, and ends with His resurrection.
Each scene features live re-enactors as well as live animals including sheep, goats, and camels that the Wise Men use to journey to Bethlehem. Approximately 120 – 140 people participate in the event each year and range in age from late 70s to children. However, a doll is used as the Christ child in the manger scene so that a newborn is not exposed to the elements.
Each year, cars begin showing up at the church at least 30 minutes if not sooner before the event starts. Before long, the road is packed with cars waiting to experience the Live Nativity. Approximately 800 cars drive through annually with each car holding two to three people.
“I think it makes people slow down and think about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Jackie Wagner, who is in charge of the event. “You can’t get that with shopping.”
At the end of the event, each car will receive a letter from the church and a CD explaining the true meaning of Christmas.
“We are showing the true meaning of Christmas and it’s a free gift to the community,” said Wagner. “It’s something we can do to give back, and it’s something that we really enjoy doing.”
Wagner said there are a few scenes that people seem to really enjoy.
“There are three scenes, the marketplace, the manger, and the Wise Men because of the camels,” said Wagner. “The camels get them every time.”
The Live Nativity will be held rain or shine. The church is located at 23891 Airport Rd. across from Wal-Mart on US 36.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Faith
