In the true spirit of Christmas, the New Sight Baptist Church will once again turn up its lights and actors take their places to offer to the public an annual rendition of a drive-through live nativity scene.

The church, appropriately located on New Sight Road in Brookhaven, has offered its representation of the birth of Christ since 2005.

A favorite among locals, the event is safe for all, as visits are experienced from within their vehicles. The magical story of Jesus’s birth is portrayed by actors dressed in time-appropriate garb handcrafted by the ladies of the church. Live animals donated by church members round out the purpose of bringing the audience as close to the manger as possible.

Brenda Foster, a coordinator for the nativity scene, invited citizens from Brookhaven, Lincoln County, and anywhere else to come enjoy “a gift to our community” through the storytelling.

“We’ve been doing this for 15 years for the community and it’s grown every year,” she said. “The event focuses on the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus Christ.”

Last year was the biggest yet, with 2,698 visitors. “It was like water faucet had been turned on,” Foster said with a laugh. “People had been cooped up due to COVID and they just wanted to get out. We had a lot of new folks come through, too.”

The nativity has become a family tradition for many who come to see the 15-16 scenes portrayed. Donations are not requested, but the church gets them anyway. Those funds are used to redo of repair the sets and purchase supplies.

Foster said she stands at the end of the trail many times and she still gets chills thinking about the looks on the parents faces as their children question them. “The conversations they have are priceless,” she said. “The children ask the meanings of things and then usually, they ask to go back around!”

Foster said the event is held for one reason: to glorify God. “Everything is so commercialized now,” she said. “It’s presents this and presents that. We try to show that Christmas starts with Christ.”

Adults and children alike will enjoy the route the show offers, as specific scenes present the progression of the story. The Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and the story continues until Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Located in front of the church, this vivid retelling of the Christmas Story brings the audience face-to-face with the famous story. Nativity workers provide candy and treats to onlookers, emphasizing a family-friendly environment.

Admission is free. Visit Dec. 10-12 from 6-9 p.m. each night or Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m., weather permitting.