New Sight Baptist Church’s annual live nativity scene had modest beginnings 10 years ago, but has grown into an event that attracted over 2,000 visitors last year. This year, the tradition continues.

The event will be open to visitors starting Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will continue every evening that weekend. Organizer Brenda Foster said the event will feature the story of Jesus from birth to resurrection.

“We start out with an angel appearing before Mary, just to let her know about the birth of Jesus,” Foster said. “Then we have our town set up. It’s really the beginning when the angel appears. Then it goes around to his birth, and then the cross and he is arisen.

“It’s basically the Christmas story coming to life. It really does when you start from the beginning and go to the end. It’s fun to see the kids stick their heads out the windows or out the top of the sun roofs hollering, ‘Look, Momma!’ or ‘Look, Daddy, what’s that?’”

Originally, the live nativity scene only featured Mary and Joseph at the manger. Now there are over 70 live actors wearing period costumes putting together 10-15 different scenes. The event will also feature live animals: donkeys, llamas, sheep, goats and calves. Unfortunately, Foster said Clive the Camel was unavailable this year.

Foster describes the area around the church as having a horseshoe shape, which she said is ideal for the event. Viewers can drive through the event and see the whole thing in about 20 minutes, though Foster said visitors are welcome to get out and ask questions.

“Each one of our scenes has the Bible verse to it and what it means about that particular scene,” Foster said. “[Our pastor] is there and available.”

New Sight Baptist Church is located at 2404 New Sight Drive. Foster said Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning worship begins at 10:45 a.m.