Living Nativity

Last night we went to a 14 scene living nativity at Baptist Faith Church in Lafayette. I love the opportunities that churches provide to remember Jesus during Christmas. It was incredible!

First, they have parking down to a science. We were guided by men waving lighted wands having a lot of fun into our perfect spot. Emily fell asleep just as we pulled in; she was worn out from her 30 minute car seat screaming practice.

And I should back up a little bit. It snowed yesterday! A lot! It took us 15 minutes to find our car under all the snow.


Once we arrived we were directed to follow the lighted pathway around the church to the different scenes. First was The Garden of Eden and Moses and the Burning Bush. At each station a scripture story was told (recorded and played through speakers) and people acting out the story. Then there were stations for Mary and Joseph finding out Mary was with child, traveling to Bethlehem (on a real donkey!), and my favorite, the city of Bethlehem with stables full if real animals, shops, homes, a tax collector, and lots of citizens. At the edge of this town was the stable with the baby Jesus.

At this point we were led onto a side of a building that was no longer blocking the wind and Emily was not super excited about the snowsuit anymore (she kept sinking lower and lower until her head was in the body spot and only the top of her head was visible – it was humorous at the time). We kind of power walked through the remaining scenes of the wiseman with real camels, the miracles Jesus performed, the crucifixion, and resurrection. It was still really incredible to see this stories come to life even if we took them at a quicker pace.

We warmed up at the church’s community center with lots of friendly faces and the first cup of hot chocolate of the season.

We are excited to go back next year!