East Texas Churches Host Live Nativity Events This December

Churches across East Texas are preparing to commemorate the birth of Christ with a series of live Nativity events throughout December. From Longview to Marshall and Tyler to Carthage, these celebrations are open to the public, inviting community members to experience a reenactment of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth.

Live Nativity Events Across East Texas

One of the highlights will be at Hope Fellowship in Longview, which is set to host “The Journey” on December 6. This event offers a 35-minute hayride that transports visitors through scenes depicting life during the time of Christ’s birth over 2,000 years ago. Participants can expect to see shepherds tending their flocks and the three wise men. The event begins at 1 p.m., with the last hayride departing at 4:30 p.m. Complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts will be available for attendees. The address is 465 Allen Road, Longview. For more information, visit hopefellowshiplongview.org/thejourney.

In Kilgore, Forest Home Baptist Church will present its annual drive-thru Nativity from December 11 to 13, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors will encounter a Nativity scene alongside various attractions, including Santa’s workshop and live performances. The production features 150 cast members and 13 detailed scenes. Free hot chocolate will be provided at 15746 CR 173 N., Kilgore. More information is available at fhbckilgore.org/drive-through-nativity.

Another significant event is scheduled at Calvary Baptist Church in Longview on December 6, where “A Walk Through Bethlehem Live Nativity” will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

At First Baptist Church in Whitehouse, the “Drive through Bethlehem” event will run from December 7 to 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This drive-thru experience features eight narrated scenes, including a Bethlehem market and the stable housing Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, complete with live animals. Participants will receive a free cookie.

In Tyler, Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church is organizing its “Journey to Bethlehem” live drive-thru Nativity on December 18 to 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will take place at 13073 Texas Hwy 110 N., Tyler.

Similarly, Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum will hold a “Walk Through Bethlehem” from December 5 to 7, also from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 9162 Texas 43 East, Tatum.

Meanwhile, First Baptist Church in Henderson will present “The Images of Christmas” on December 14, with displays open at noon, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This display features over 400 Nativity scenes and is suitable for all ages, taking place at 207 W. Main St. in Henderson.

Lastly, the Marshall Cumberland Presbyterian Church will host the “Walk to Bethlehem” on December 13 and 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event offers a guided walk through five scenes, retelling the Nativity story with the use of scripture, costumes, and live animals. Each tour lasts about 30 minutes and allows for a come-and-go format. The church is located at 501 Indian Springs Road, Marshall. For further details, call (903) 935-3787 or visit their Facebook page.

The Story Behind the Nativity

Nativity scenes have become a staple of Christmas celebrations in many cultures. The tradition is believed to have originated with Saint Francis of Assisi, who is credited with creating the first Christmas Nativity scene in A.D. 1223. The term “nativity” derives from the Latin word “nativus,” meaning “arisen by birth,” which signifies the focus on the event of Jesus’ birth as depicted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

While Nativity scenes typically include figures and settings mentioned in biblical passages, historical accuracy can sometimes be overlooked. For instance, while live animals are often present in Nativity displays, the Gospels do not explicitly state their presence at the time of Jesus’ birth. Moreover, the Bible does not confirm that Jesus was born in a stable, and the wise men are believed to have visited at a later date.

The exact date of Jesus’ birth is also a topic of scholarly discussion. Many biblical scholars assert that the Bible does not specify a birth date, with some early sources suggesting a spring birth. The selection of December 25 for Christmas celebrations is thought to have been influenced by existing pagan festivals, as early Christians sought to integrate the holiday into the cultural fabric of the Roman world to promote both Christmas and Christianity.

As communities engage in these live Nativity events, they not only celebrate a significant historical event but also foster a sense of togetherness and reflection during the holiday season. For those aware of additional Nativity events not mentioned in this article, sharing that information could enrich the community’s celebrations.