One of drive-through living Nativity visitors managed to catch this amazing picture of our angels.

The 24th annual Living Nativity was hosted at Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was a COVID safe drive-through event with six scenes for viewers to see, including Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, the shepherds in the fields, the angels, the Nativity with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the Wisemen, and three crosses with a scripture verse for everyone driving through. Several of the scenes included live animals. 

Volunteers made it all happen. They crafted the sets, the signage, and the lighting. Volunteers played roles in each of the scenes and also were along the path to direct traffic. 

Cars lined up for blocks to view the living Nativity. Cards with the Christmas story were handed to each vehicle as they entered. Participants could read the story behind each scene they stopped at and the accompanying scripture verse.

Pastor Don Vanderlip posted his thanks on Facebook, "Wow! God did an amazing thing tonight at Sioux Falls Southern Hills United Methodist Church! So thankful for everyone who made living nativity happen tonight. We have a great church that loves this community of Sioux Falls. So thankful for all the people who came out to witness love and grace through the nativity story! Simply saying thank you doesn't seem enough. Humbled to serve this great church!"

At the end of the drive, viewers were thanked with prayer and a candy cane.  A free-will offering was collected to support ongoing ministry opportunities. 

Southern Hills UMC posted this thank you on their Facebook page, "A huge thank you to the community who came out to experience this event with us. We appreciate your patience as you waited in line for well over an hour in many cases and for being gracious to each other as you approached and took turns entering the church parking lot. All of you so blessed us!"

View the story on KELO TV here: