Several hundred people visited Windsor Baptist Church this Christmas season to see its popular live nativity scene staged on bluffs behind the church, 6701 Hwy. 61-67, in Imperial, congregation member LaJean Woodworth said.
This year’s live nativity was held each evening from Dec. 16-19.
There was no charge to attend.
As usual, families and groups traveled by car, van and busload to see church members dressed as Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels and shepherds on top of the bluff. The display also included live animals, like camels, donkeys and sheep.
“Everything went really well,” Woodworth said. “The weather cooperated. We were very pleased with the size of the crowds. We had hundreds each night.”
The event also included Christmas music.
“We had live music every night,” Woodworth said. “We so appreciate the people who (volunteer to) do that.”
The congregation also served refreshments to attendees.
Windsor Baptist has held its live nativity for more than 40 years. For much of that time, it was held over five nights, ending on Dec. 23. After COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020, the congregation brought it back last year for a scheduled three nights, but only two performances took place because of a rainout. This year, a fourth night was added to the schedule.
How the schedule will look in December 2023 is to be determined, Woodworth said.
“We tried it this way this year to include the weekend. It always needs to end by Dec. 23 because the animals need to go back. We get the animals from 5-H Ranch in Cape Girardeau.”