Once again, Middleville Baptist Church will host its annual Drive-Through Live Nativity 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13. Located just off U.S. Route 50 east (past Maple Lake) on Middleville Road, the church goes to great lengths to recreate a vision of Bethlehem of Judea during the era of Christ’s birth. Components include authentic dress, live animals, fires and detailed depiction of New Testament lifestyle.

 

“It’s always a joyous time when our church can share the true meaning of Christmas with our community,” said church member Gina Sharps, who inspired the nativity portrayal several years ago. “The birth of Jesus is what Christmas is all about. Our live nativity is aimed at sharing the message that Jesus is still very much a gift given for the salvation of all.”

 

Now, more than ever, Sharps said, people are searching for peace and answers in a very chaotic world and they need look no further than the birth of the Christ child.

 

“Celebrating Christmas means celebrating the birth of Jesus and understanding that he can restore hope and provide an everlasting assurance of eternal life,” she said.

 

The portray includes several biblical scenes; those requiring carpentry work and landscaping. Baby Jesus’s manger is built of rough-cut lumber. Mary is riding on a donkey and shepherds are leading their sheep.

 

It is a large undertaking, but one which the church is annually excited and honored to host.

 

Sharps and her mother-in-law Donna Sharps brought the idea of the live nativity to Pastor Paul Boyles in 2001.Not only does the church congregation work hard to host the event year after year, but also area volunteers and businesses who do everything from building backdrops to landscaping.

 

Though scenes vary each year, the display is always based on the gospel. And it happens, regardless of the weather.

 

“What really thrills us is when parents and their children go by and they are reading the scriptures as they go through the scenes,” said Pastor Paul Boyles. “And we love seeing the kids’ eyes and faces lighting up when they come through and see the live animals and the angels hanging in the air.”

 

Sharps and Boyles hope area residents will drive through the elaborate live nativity Dec. 12 or 13. A scaled-down version will be shared on Main Street during Light Up Night, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 3.

 

Read more about Light Up Night HERE.