Each year for the last 17 years, Owensboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church has brought the Christmas story to life through a free, drive-thru journey back to Bethlehem.
“The Greatest Gift of All” is a live nativity organized by church members and friends who are dressed as wise men, angels, shepherds, Mary and Joseph. Completing the manger scene are live sheep, donkeys, and Humphrey the Camel.
The drive-thru nativity is open to visitors for two nights during the holiday season. This year’s 17th annual live nativity is from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 910 Booth Avenue.
Jan Catron, who has been the director of the nativity for all 17 years, said she is overwhelmed each year by the reactions of those driving through.
Catron said the church puts on the live nativity every year as a Christmas gift to the community.
“It’s to remind them about the true meaning of Christmas,” she said.
The scenes portrayed throughout the nativity are “The Journey,” “No Room at the Inn,” “The Manger” and “The Greatest Gift of All.”
Becky Pedigo, a church member who has participated in the living nativity the past few years, said it bears witness to the story of the first Christmas.
“It is a wonderful presentation,” Pedigo said. “To see the faces of the children as they see the participants and animals is worth the work that is involved with it.”
Visitors will receive a CD and see Humphrey the Camel as the angels sing in the manger. For more information on the live nativity, contact Owensboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 270-683-4479.
