A night in Bethlehem to pause and say ‘This is how God sent his son to be born’: Genesis Bible Church holds live nativity

SAVERTON, Mo. — While the Christmas season flies by in a flurry of shopping, ugly sweater parties, gift wrapping and more, Genesis Bible Church invites everyone to pause in remembrance of one sacred night in Bethlehem.

The church will host their third annual live nativity on Sunday Dec. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m., at 12613 Saverton Drive in Saverton, Mo. 

Each attendee will receive hot cocoa and a candy cane. The event will feature animals guests can interact with including sheep, goats, donkeys, mini cows, and llamas. 

The highlight will be the stable where Mary and Joseph hold their newborn son Jesus.

Michelle Mahsman, the director of the live nativity, said church members hope to create a serene, thought provoking place where guests can take a deep breath and experience what it could have been like that night.

”We are hoping we have created an atmosphere and scenery where it causes us to pause and reflect on how God sent His son Jesus to be born for us,” she said. “Attendees can get out of their cars and experience the stable, the smells of the animals, and the cold of the night.”

Through the event, the church members hope to minister to the community of Saverton and beyond. Mahsman said everyone is welcome to come experience this night in Bethlehem.

”We are so busy doing all of the things at Christmas—and those things can be good—but let’s focus on what the real meaning is,” she said. “The ultimate gift of Christmas is Jesus and if we can share that with the community around us then I feel like we’ve done our job.”

Everyone is also invited to Christmas Eve services starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning, or a candlelight service at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve night.

Mahsman said anyone looking for a church will find a welcoming home at Genesis Bible Church. Church services begin at 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Child care and children’s church is available from birth to 5th grade.