When cars entered the driveway of Discovery Baptist Church last weekend, they were transported into another era in another land. They entered the City of David on Christ’s birthday.
The mock village was crowded as the census, ordered by Caesar, brought many Jews into Bethlehem, including Mary and Joseph.
“We have vendors selling goods and shoppers and census takers, everything you’d see in the city at that time,” said Gayle Shriner, who brought her donkey, Melchizedek, for a live performance.
Discovery Baptist has hosted the nativity since 1998.
“We started out with about 26 teenagers, and it’s grown from that,” Pastor Mark Suko said. “Each year, it has grown a bit bigger. Now we have about 220 people.”
Suko said the costumes are all handmade by volunteers.
“We have a couple of ladies that just love doing that kind of stuff,” he said. “They buy the fabric at wholesale or at the Goodwill. We have a huge costume area in the basement of the church.”
The animals are brought in by people who own them and kept on the church grounds. They even have a real-life shepherd who cares for them.
“Our main point is to present the original Christmas story at the time Christ was alive,” Suko said.
The Bethlehem village is teaming with people dressed in long robes, while soldiers wearing impressive-looking outfits make sure everyone is counted in the census. King Herod relaxes in his lavish tent that overlooks the city. As visitors meander through, they are greeted by angels who bear good tidings.
Lastly, they come upon Mary and Joseph, who cradle their newborn baby in a manger after they were turned away at the inn.
The final thing people see as they leave the village is a huge cross, draped in a cloth and illuminated with a spotlight — a chilling reminder of the future fate of the tiny baby who lies in his mother’s arms just yards away.
Suko said he has seen people cry as the visual effect of the nativity can be overpowering.
“A lot of people are moved by feeling what life was like,” he said. “Some are emotionally overcome by the realism of it.”
Lifestyles Coordinator and reporter Susan Schell can be reached at 253-853-9240 or by email at susan.schell@gateline.com.
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Living Nativity brings Christmas night to life
When cars entered the driveway of Discovery Baptist Church last weekend, they were transported into another era in another land. They entered the City of David on Christ’s birthday. The mock village was crowded as the census, ordered by Caesar, brought many Jews into Bethlehem, including Mary and Joseph. “We have vendors selling goods and shoppers and census takers, everything you’d see in the city at that time,” said Gayle Shriner, who brought her donkey, Melchizedek, for a live performance.
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Susan Schell
Chris Armstrong, playing an angel, bids fair tidings to visitors to Bethlehem.
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