Trinity Bible Church in Osgoode, Ont., creates a family-friendly Nativity reenactment each November.
THE CHURCH
Trinity Bible Church, Osgoode, Ont.
THE CHALLENGE
Sharing the Christmas message with neighbours in a way that attracts people of all backgrounds
THE IDEA
A family-friendly Nativity reenactment each November
THE COST
All costumes and stage props are created by church members. Tickets to Bethlehem Live are free online with registration. Food for visitors is also donated by church members.
Marta Burnette, community coordinator of Trinity Bible Church, explains:
A couple brought this outreach idea to our church more than 20 years ago. It has been quite special what we’ve seen with the experience reaching well over a thousand people annually. God does not exclude people, so we like to welcome everyone.
Those who attend are able to walk through Bethlehem and experience what Mary and Joseph would have gone through before the birth of Christ. Some come in pairs, others as families and larger groups of ten. Last year we had a young man come through – he heard the gospel message, accepted Christ and tragically a few weeks later he died. You just never know who is coming.
Our whole church gets involved, with more than 150 volunteers of all ages helping. There are soldiers, shepherds, angels, guards, even those who read parts of the Old Testament about the coming Messiah. We’ve had a couple volunteer from Alberta, and people attend from Pembroke, Cornwall, all over Ottawa – and even Montreal.
Do you have a story to share about your church’s community outreach? Contact our editors at editor@FaithToday.ca. Read more stories at FaithToday.ca/CIC. Photos of Nativity scene: Trinity Bible Church