18 • The Beacon November 30 , 2023
Church takes you on a journey through Christ ’ s life
By Josie Sellers
Journey back through time with the 24th live nativity held Friday and Saturday , Dec . 8-9 from 6:30- 8:30 p . m . at the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle .
The live nativity is organized by members of CCT and is their free Christmas gift to the community .
“ This is one event where we can all get together , have fun and give something back to the community ,” Pastor Mike Jansen said . “ We also get to share a message that can change lives and help make the whole community better .”
“ We are here to serve God , and this is one way we can serve him all together and show people what he ’ s all about ,” said Kristi Schonauer , a main organizer of the live nativity .
Luminaries light the way at the event as visitors drive through the live scenes depicting the birth of Christ and other wellknown events of his life .
“ I love the market scene ,” Schonauer said . “ The music , the smells , it sets you off right .”
Jansen agreed with her . “ I like the motion and interaction of the market scene ,” he said . “ It pulls you back
2,000 years .”
This 10-minute journey begins at the marketplace in Bethlehem , where the tax collector awaits . The inn that is full for the evening leads to the stable where Joseph , Mary and the baby Jesus find rest . A host of heavenly angels alert the shepherds guarding their sheep with good news of Jesus ’ birth while the wise men worship the newborn Christ child . The journey is completed with scenes of the most told stories about Jesus : the carpenter ’ s shop , Jesus walking on water , a soldier praying at the cross and Jesus at the tomb .
“ It ’ s changed a lot over the years ,” Jansen said . “ It first started with people in angel outfits singing carols . When I came here , we had the sets , and most of them were portable . We ’ ve been working toward more permanent ones though .”
Schonauer said , “ The more permanent sets we have , the less we have to do beforehand .”
Around 140 people participate in the live nativity each night , and that doesn ’ t count the number of people who help in the kitchen and
See LIVE NATIVITY Page 19
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Even events later in Jesus ’ life are depicted in the annual live nativity .
The marketplace sets the tone for the live nativity .
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