Live Nativity returns to the Gila Valley

Contributed File Photo: Ryan Johnson and Brittney McCourt Johnson portray Joseph and Mary during 2018’s Live Nativity. This year’s event will run from Dec. 2 – 4.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

CENTRAL – After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, the Live Nativity will make its triumphant return to the Gila Valley for this Christmas season. 

The eighth annual “Live Nativity at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple” will return Dec. 2 – 4, with performances at 6, 6:45, 7:30, and 8:15 p.m. nightly. 

The Live Nativity is just that and uses live actors to tell the story of Jesus’ birth in a manger. 

Jon Johnson Video/Gila Herald-Live Nativity 2018 Promo

The event takes place at the building by the temple’s lawn on the northeast side of the property and is normally held in conjunction with a Music and Creche Festival inside the adjacent meeting house. However, this year, due to social distancing concerns, the indoor Creche Festival will be postponed to future years. There still will be plenty of musical numbers from the community that will be played between nativity performances. 

Started in 2013 by producer and event originator Tracy Pursley, the Live Nativity event has seen standing-room-only crowds each and every year. 

The Nativity not only uses live actors to portray the birth of Jesus Christ but also utilizes local farm animals.

So, be sure to visit the eighth annual Live Nativity in Central next weekend and let the performance of the birth of Christ lift your spirits for this season. Members of all faiths are welcome.

What: The eighth annual Live Nativity

Where: The Gila Valley Arizona Temple grounds at the building by The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Lawn

When: Thurs. – Sat., Dec. 2 – 4, with shows at 6, 6:45, 7:30, and 8:15 p.m.

What to bring: Warm clothing, hot cocoa

Cost: Free