Gray Methodist to host Live Nativity next weekend

REASON FOR THE SEASON

  • Member of Gray Methodist Church have been presenting the live Nativity to the communities of Gray and Jones County for more than 20 years. FILE PHOTO
    Member of Gray Methodist Church have been presenting the live Nativity to the communities of Gray and Jones County for more than 20 years. FILE PHOTO

    The season is here, and Gray Methodist Church is ready with its Live Drive-Thru Nativity on track to remind the community of the true meaning of Christmas.

    The dates of the Nativity are Dec. 8-10 from 6-9 p.m. each evening, weather permitting. The church is located at 121 Gordon Street, and the entry to view the scenes is once again from Stewart Avenue, crossing in front of the W.E. Knox Civic Center.

    Signs with further instructions will be posted at the entrance.

    This year marks the 21st anniversary of the first Live Nativity.

    Event coordinator Richelle Hinson said it takes 85 volunteers each night for the presentation. She explained that the purpose of the Drive-Thru Nativity is to bring to life the miracle of Jesus’s birth.

    The stable scene always has a live baby, and it is usually from the church’s congregation. Hinson estimated as of last year, 120 infants have filled the role.

    The event draws thousands the three nights it’s open, from the Gray and Jones County community and beyond.

    Hinson said preparation for the event begins in August, and the buildings for the scenes are constructed the weekend before the Nativity.

    One interesting note from this year concerns the four-legged participants. Hinson said this year’s sheep were show lambs of some of the 4-H kids from Jones County High School, and one family donated their lamb to the church so the Nativity will have sheep every year.

    Members of Gray Methodist started the Live Nativity in 2002. Volunteers construct a 120-foot wall at the front of the city of Bethlehem to add to the realism of the experience.

    The scenes start at an entry gate to see Caesar Augustus issuing a decree that “all the world should be taxed.” The journey takes spectators through scenes of Bethlehem as it would have looked during the time of Jesus’ birth.

    In addition to the Christmas story, two scenes included in the live nativity are not normally associated with the Christmas story. The scenes of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection were added in 2005.

    Any updates about the Nativity, such as weather cancellations, can be found on the Gray Methodist Facebook page.