Living Nativity to take place Saturday night

With Christmas approaching, the annual living Nativity scene is coming up. This will be held Saturday at the Van Orsdel Methodist Church.

Ray Toth, the lead coordinator of the event said this display will reenact the birth of Jesus.

"What we're doing is trying to reenact the scene at Bethlehem," he said. "Your mind just wanders back to how it might have been way back then."

Toth also said many animals will be a part of this display. These include: llamas, sheep, a miniature donkey and a miniature horse.

The participants consist of individuals from the church of various ages. The men, women and children will hold their positions, as still as they can, for half-hour shifts.

"We try to do it all in-house from the church," Toth added.

Toth said this display will depict many live roles, which include Mary and Joseph.

"Then we'll have some shepherds standing with the sheep, we'll have some small angels in front of our stable (and) an angel that is actually lifted above the stable," he added.

Toth does not know if there will be a baby or a doll playing the role of baby Jesus due to expected weather conditions.

Toth said it takes a lot of effort to coordinate the animals, set up the display and coordinate the actors.

"People stroll by, drive by - some people stand for almost an hour," he said. "We need the idea of peace ... in the world - there's so much turmoil and what not," he said.

The live Nativity scene will be Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 410 5th Ave.