One of my family’s most cherished Christmas traditions is to attend a live nativity. Sometimes the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the frantic hustle and bustle of the season. We are so busy cramming everything into one “month of fun” that we forget to slow down and think about WHY we are doing all of this.
Walking through the live nativity is a unique, memorable way to bring the birth Christ to life. My kids have loved traveling through the town of Bethlehem and seeing all that Mary and Joseph would have seen on the night that Christ was born.
Photo Credit: Castleton United Methodist Church
While on the journey through Bethlehem (at both St. Mark’s Methodist Church and Castleton Methodist Church) you will: take part in the Roman Census, travel through a market town, stop by an inn with no vacancies, visit with the Three Wise Men, see beautiful angels and stumble upon a manager where a baby has just been born.
Beware! You may run across some Roman soldiers and tax collectors along the way!
Photo Credit: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
And of course, a journey through Bethlehem would not be complete without plenty of live animals (including a camel.)
Here are some places around town where you and your family can travel back in time over 2,000 years to Bethlehem – where Christ was born.
St Mark’s United Methodist Church
Photo Credit: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
St. Mark’s will be hosting their Holy Walk Through Bethlehem with guided tours this Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3 from 6:00 – 9:00pm. There is no cost, but they are accepting donations of canned foods for a local food pantry. Monetary donations are also being accepted; with proceeds being used to benefit the many different missions that St. Mark’s supports.
Be advised, this is a popular event and often will have a wait time. Guests remain inside of the church until it is time for their guided tour to begin. While you are there, be sure to try some of the delicious baked goods. Because the live nativity itself does take place outside, you will want to dress appropriately.
Address: 4780 E. 126th St, Carmel
Castleton United Methodist Church
Photo Credit: Castleton United Methodist Church
Take the journey through Bethlehem at Castleton United Methodist Church this Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. After you are finished, be sure to head back into the church for yummy refreshments. Be sure to dress appropriately as the event does take place outdoors.
Address: 7160 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
At St. Luke’s you will not be walking through a live nativity, but instead will have the pleasure of watching a live nativity performance (complete with live animals) unfold before your eyes. This musical story of the birth of Jesus takes place in the Sanctuary on December 10 with performances at 2:00pm and 4:00pm.
Address:100 W. 86th St, Indianapolis
First Baptist Church of Greenwood
The First Baptist Church of Greenwood drive-through nativity is on December 22 from 5:30 to 7:30pm with a rain/snow date of December 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Stay in your car and drive through this live nativity scene, complete with live animals.
Address: 99 West Main Street, Greenwood
Christkindl Village
Celebrate this holiday season at the Christkindl Village (“Christ Child” Village) and experience a traditional German Christmas Market hosted by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. This event offers many attractions for all ages, including a live animal nativity. The event is held outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately.
Location: 126 West Georgia Street, Indianapolis
To make all of this even more awesome (which is hard to believe that is even possible!) – all of the above mentioned live nativity experiences are FREE to guests.
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