“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
While it’s not the manger of Bethlehem, a manger depicting the birth of Jesus can be found on Cedar Avenue in Elizabethton for the next two Saturday nights.
Members of Unity Fellowship Church are presenting a live nativity based on the Gospel of Luke’s version of the birth of Jesus. The nativity includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels and wise men who visited the stable after the birth of Jesus.
“We want to spread the message of Christmas, and that is Jesus,” said Unity Fellowship pastor Greg Wagner.
From 6-9 p.m. members of the church present the live nativity in the church’s parking lot. At the beginning of each hour, a 15-minute play is conducted acting at the Christmas story based on the version told in the gospel of Luke.
After the performance, nativity members stay in place in the manger scene for the remainder of the hour for visitors to stop by and see.
Wagner said this was the first time the church had hosted a live nativity at its current location. He said his grandfather, who was a former pastor of the church, had hosted a live nativity in the past at its former location, which was also on Cedar Avenue.
The idea to bring the live nativity back belongs to church member Terry Freeman, Wagner said.
“We look at this as an outreach opportunity for the church,” Wagner said. “Our primary goal is to spread the message of Jesus Christ. We also want to spread awareness of our church and for people to come out and have a good time.”
After the nativity, visitors were invited into the church’s fellowship hall for free refreshments and information from local businesses and organizations.
Participants in the live nativity are Mikey Hoilman, Joseph; Ashley Hoilman, Mary; Chelsie Wagner and Ozzy Thompson, innkeepers; George Sheets, Logan Walter and Mike Castell, wisemen; Kayla Wagner and Chesney Harrison, angels and Jenny the donkey as herself.
Unity Fellowship Church is located at 907 Cedar Ave. The live nativity is held from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and 20. For more information call 534-9615.