STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The camels will probably feel more at home not having to trudge through piles of snow like they have in past years.
And, with near-record high temperatures in the forecast, spectators’ tootsies should feel reasonably comfy.
That’s the scenario that will unfold as the Life Church in Hailey presents its sixth annual Live Nativity and reenactment of the birth of Christ on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The scene will unfold at 5 p.m. behind the church, which sits near Albertsons at 931 N. River St.
Three camels provided by Camels R Fun of Idaho Falls will make their way into the scene carrying three majestically clad Wise Men. And sheep and donkeys will accompany the shepherds as they come to pay homage to the Christ Child.
Fifty-four actors will appear as the Archangel Gabriel and other characters as Spencer Andrus, who owns an electrical business in Bellevue, narrates the story.
Ten-month-old Finneas Higgs, a happy, smiley baby, will portray Baby Jesus. His parents, Chelsea and Levi Higgs, will portray Mary and Joseph.
And Rebecca Cox will direct a 20-person choir who will sing eight or nine Christmas songs, such as “We Three Kings.”
There’ll be a complimentary hot cocoa station with whipped cream and sprinkles. And a professional chef is whipping up a bunch of free Christmas cookies for spectators.
Hay bales will be provided for sitting. Despite the relatively warm temperatures for December, spectators should come prepared to wrap up in blankets and warm clothes.
Vanessa Scifres Gibbs said she loves how the community has come together every two years since 2014 to bring the spiritual story to life.
“It’s such a clear story about the miraculous events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus was a world-changing event in our history. It is the greatest story because, as a follower of Jesus, I believe that without him we’d have nothing,” she said. “I definitely get goosebumps and, often tears, in the final scene when they say, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”