Living Nativity

Lifeway Baptist Church, Vista

Posted

Luke 2:10-18 (NIV)
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

After the Shepherds had seen the baby Jesus they were amazed and spread the word of his birth. Some things are just too good to keep to yourself.  For the last eight years Lifeway Baptist Church in Vista has been spreading the story of Christmas through a Living Nativity on the second weekend in December.  Through Covid 19, the Lilac fire, and some uncooperative weather we have managed to have at least one presentation each year.

This year’s schedule includes three performances on the week of December 10 through the 12th.  For the first time we are adding a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Christmas Carol singing at 6:30 pm on Saturday December 11th.

The event includes a live portrayal of the manger scene as well as Scripture passages and art which depict the Christmas story. The scene can be viewed by driving through or walking through.  Refreshments are served around a fire pit to facilitate continued fellowship. If you own your church property, a Living Nativity is a simple yet effective way to reach out to your neighbors and share the Christmas story with them. Many of our visitors have shared that it is the simplicity of the event that moves them.   In our eight years of Living Nativities we have had people come from all over the county to Vista because they say they can’t find anything like it in their neighborhood.  We have visitors to our Sunday morning services and many meaningful conversations about Jesus around the fire pit.  We have now scheduled our Friday presentation to coincide with the end of the school day at a nearby elementary school so we can minister to their families as they drive by on their way home. You are invited to join us this year.

The schedule is below:

Friday, December 10: 2:30-4:00 pm

Saturday, December 11:

6:00 – 7:30 pm

7:30-8:00 pm - Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing

Sunday, December 12: 2-4 pm

Lifeway Baptist Church is located at 1120 Highland Drive in Vista