Looking for a live nativity this Christmas season?

     New Sight Baptist Church members will host theirs for the fifth year in a row on Dec. 7 and 8 from 7 until 9 p.m.

     This is no ordinary manger scene. The nativity features an entire city, with scenes starting from Mary and the angel to the birth of Jesus. 

     This year, the scene has added a new building and a live camel, named Clyde.

     Clyde won’t be the only animal posing in the nativity. Llamas, goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, chickens and miniature cows will act in the Christmas re-creation.

     Performing with the animals are 50 to 75 people. Most are members of New Sight Baptist Church, but a few are non-members who enjoy participating. Ages range from small children to adults in their 80s.

     New Sight pastor the Rev. Calvin Price said the event was his wife’s idea.

     “Christmas is so commercialized now and we forget what it’s about,” said Price.

     The holiday attraction drew about 2,000 people last year. Most drive through and gaze at the spectacle from the warmth of their vehicles, but walking through is permitted.

     At the end of the main event, the manger scene, “goodie bags” are handed out. The bags include crocheted crosses, handmade by the New Sight Crochet Club, religious tracts and other treats.

     “Everybody in the church has made some sort of contribution to make sure that this takes place,” said Price.

     Warm soup is served in the fellowship hall for Nativity actors and actresses to help with the cold. Specific people are designated to watch over the animals.

     The church refuses to accept donations.

     “It is a gift to the community,” said Price.