Call it a picture-perfect moment.
Second Baptist Church has scheduled its 68th annual Live Nativity from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and will be held at 711 E. 17th St.
Volunteers of the congregation perform as those who witnessed the birth of Jesus. They will take 30-minute shifts as members of the Nativity before the next group replaces them on stage.
Second Baptist Pastor Jackie Bream said the event also consists of the reading of scriptures and music, along with food and warm beverages to keep people warm during expected colder weather.
Volunteers will vary in age, and one group, besides Mary and Joseph, will consist of youth parishioners. The tableau of the Nativity is scheduled to be set up over the weekend.
“The coolest thing about this is we get to proclaim the message of hope and that Christ has come,” Bream said. “The message of Christ’s birth is good news and a time of great rejoicing.”
Hay bales and chairs will be available for sitting, and more are expected to enjoy the event from their vehicles.
Kathy Craighead, who participates in the event annually, said when she is standing on the stage, she feels serene. As a self-proclaimed talker, she said it’s easy to be in the moment when on stage.
“I’m not a quiet person,” Craighead said. “There are times we sing along with the music to ourselves, but when you get up there, all you feel is peace.”
Drawing hundreds of people each year, Craighead said seeing people and children interacting at the church is a wonderful time. It also gives residents, in her opinion, a chance to take a break from the Christmas rush.
“This makes you stop and reflect on what Christmas is really about,” she said. “It’s not about presents, it’s not about Santa, it’s about Jesus and Gods’ gift to us.”
If you go
- What: Second Baptist Church’s 68th annual Live Nativity.
- When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
- Where: 711 E. 17th St.
- Cost: Free.
