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First Baptist expands live nativity
Live nativities can be a festive way to celebrate Christmas and to remember the religious meaning behind a holiday season that can sometimes feel anything but silent and bright.
The only problem can be that December weather in Indiana is not always reliable.
Terry Black had been to some live nativities in the area and he enjoyed them, but wondered if there was a way to keep the visitors warmer while they watched a reenactment of that first Christmas.
“We can’t we do one where people can stay in their cars with live people and live animals and not be cold?” Black asked.
A member of First Baptist Church in Greencastle, Black realized that his church — with a drive leading around three sides of the building — might just be the right place to host such an event.
That was 2015 and now the First Baptist drive-through live nativity is set for its fifth year of presenting the story of Christ’s birth to the Putnam County Community.
The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at First Baptist Church, 404 Judson Drive, Greencastle.
New in 2019, the First Baptist presentation of the nativity will add a fifth scene to the story.
For the first two years, it was three scenes — angels appearing to nearby shepherds, the Magi traveling from the east and the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.
In 2017, it expanded to include the angel telling Mary she will bear a son.
Now in 2019, organizers will add the scene of the innkeeper telling Mary and Joseph there is no room in the inn, only the stable.
“We try to add a new scene every two years,” Black said, “something new so the people can’t say ‘I’m not going back. I’ve seen it.’”
While it started as Black’s vision, he certainly doesn’t take the credit. He said 63 people will be involved in this year’s production, including carolers from Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church to entertain guests while they wait in line.
The popular animals will also be back — camels, donkeys and sheep from Lost River Game Farm in Orleans.
Even the costumes get another member of the congregation involved, as Darla Clodfelter makes all the clothing worn by participants.
“She’s a seamstress and has made all our costumes through the years,” Black said.
The hope is that participants won’t have to layer up the costumes too much. As of Tuesday evening, temperatures in the 20s are forecast for Sunday evening.
Black said the temperature seems to affect attendance, even though attendees are able to stay in their cars.
“Last year, we had 222 cars go through in two hours,” Black said. “The year before it was 193.”
In an expression of his faith, though, Black says it’s not about how many people come out, but who comes out.
“Numbers aren’t all we’re after,” Black said. “God will have through whoever He wants to come through.”
Note: A brief notice of the live nativity in the Tuesday paper incorrectly stated that the scenes extended beyond Christ’s birth in Bethlehem.