The Imperial church congregation that annually stages a live nativity scene on a bluff in the back of its property is prepared for the 2024 version coming this week.
Canaan Baptist Church-Windsor Campus, formerly Windsor Baptist Church, at 6701 Hwy. 61-67 uses the services of dozens of church members and other volunteers not only to take part in the live nativity scene, but also to help park cars, distribute refreshments and assist in other ways, Pastor Bryan Davidson said.
“We expect about 100 volunteers to help,” he said.
He said the live nativity once again will take place over three nights, but will be Thursday, Dec. 12, through Saturday this year. The event is free to view and the congregation offers free refreshments to attendees. The presentations are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturday.
“Everything is coming along so far,” he said. “Last year, we did it Friday through Sunday and found we had fewer people on Sunday. We just decided to move it back a day.”
Church members portray Jesus, Mary and Joseph, shepherds and angels.
In addition to the humans, there will be live animals in the presentation once again.
“We will have two donkeys, a camel, sheep and a calf,” he said.
Davidson said church members are happy to help with the annual event intended to focus on Christmas.
“We do this to show the good news of Jesus Christ, that he came to pay the price for our sins and to celebrate his life,” he said. “We want to reach out to the community. We hope they come out.”
People have in the past, he noted. He said that while pre-registration is not required to attend, the congregation alerts those who register if there will be a weather cancellation.
“You don’t have to register to attend, but if you register we send out a notice to say if there’s a rainout,” he said. “Last year, we did have a rainout.”
He said a feature added to the event in 2023 will be offered again this year.
“Last year for the first time we had fire pits for s’mores,” Davidson said. “It went over well, so we’re doing it again.”
Christmas music is performed by volunteer groups.
To register or for more information, visit canaanstl.org, go to the top of the page and select “Live Nativity, Dec. 12-14 – SEE DETAILS.” Once transferred to the new page, click on “Register.”
Those seeking more information may call the church at 636-464-9008, he said.
The congregation became Canaan Baptist-Windsor Campus in June 2023 and has continued to conduct the live nativity on the bluff behind the church that the congregation had put on for more than four decades.