Hundreds of church members and live animals make up local nativity scene

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Representatives from the First United Methodist Church of Lexington say they want to share the unique story of how one special little baby was born in a manger so many years ago, and they decided to do this by continuing the tradition of their live nativity scene.

“Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem, and there was no place for Mary to have a baby, and so she went to the inn and there was no rooms,” said event organizer Staci Stowe, “and so she ended up having baby Jesus in the stable.”

“It’s important that at this season, time of the year, that we tell the story to as many as we can possibly tell, the story of Christ’s birth,” said Pastor Doug Norfleet of First United Methodist Church of Lexington.

The church was sharing the reason for the season Saturday night at their annual live nativity scene.

“I think it’s great to be involved in the live nativity so we can all remember the importance that Jesus is at the center of the Christmas season and celebrating his birth,” said a church member portraying Mary.

Event organizers say it takes around 100 volunteer church members each night to make the reenactment possible.

“There’s an army of people in the building that you never see, behind the scenes, that are helping with wardrobe or feeding the folks who are in the nativity,” Pastor Norfleet said.

Along with the team of people, live animals also helped make this year’s nativity scene more realistic.

“And we’ve grown to love Toby the camel,” said the pastor.

A donkey, a bull, sheep, and goats were also a part of the scene.

“It’s about Christ and about what God is doing in the world through the lives of people who allow God to work through them, and so that’s what we’re committed to doing and that’s what this is all about,” Pastor Norfleet said.

Church representatives tell WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News, if you missed the live nativity scene Saturday evening, you’re in luck, because they will be hosting it again Sunday from 5 to 8 pm.

Pastor Norfleet says, that all are invited to attend any of their services at the First United Methodist Church of Lexington. If you are interested in doing so, their address is:

27 East Church Street,
Lexington, TN 38351