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Tuesday, December 21

Second Annual Drive-Thru Nativity a success

By Daniel L. Bamberg

McDaniel Memorial United Methodist Church along with Centreville United Methodist Church continued where the left off last Christmas season, presenting a live drive-through nativity scene.

Last year was a trial year for the event.  “I think a lot of people were more skeptical last season than this season,” explains Reverend Elaine Hagenbuch.  “It was such a hit last year that everyone is much more excited.”

The actors for the live nativity scene, which included the edition of a Census Taker’s booth this year, have been braving harsh weather.  

“It has been fun and even though we are fighting the weather it is worth it,” explained Judy Riser.  “It is such an uplifting experience.”

Just as last year they included animals from the Shar-Itt petting zoo in Hayden, Alabama.  This season however there were more than a few.  Form sheep, to alpacas, to donkeys, the nativity was carefully detailed. 

Citizens from the county appeared within seconds of one another driving through this depiction and tribute to Christ’s birth one at a time. 

The noticeable reverence each actor appears to present with little regard to the weather or to the steadiness of visitors is impressive.  

The drive through Nativity in Brent is however finished for another year.  Rev. Hagenbuch however explained that the hope is this will become a tradition.

“I pray they continue this whether I am hear or not,” said Rev. Hagenbuch  “This is such a blessing.”

According to some, adding a new edition each year will become another tradition.  Next year they are hoping to include the inn which was occupied to capacity and led Christ to be born in a manger. 

Members of Pondville Methodist Church also participated in the event.

Photo: Two  Methodist Churches come together for second annual Drive-Thru Nativity.  Manger scene cast (as pictured): Bennett Nichols (as Joseph), Debbie Nichols (as Mary), Angie Lightsey (as Angel), Preston James(a wiseman left), Tom Ogletree (as wiseman right), Jimmy Stegall (as wiseman kneeling) 

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