Live Nativity Scenes Presented

A Gift to the Community

Outdoor Live Christmas Nativity Scenes

For many years, the idea of presenting “live” outdoor nativity scenes during the holidays was just a dream. This year, that dream becomes a reality as an outdoor manger scene and five others will come to life on the grounds of the Bigham Knoll campus.

The before and after birth of Christ scenes will be presented by five local Jacksonville church groups: Jacksonville Calvary, First Presbyterian, Lumen Dei, St. Andrews Anglican and Ruch Community Bible Church.

Event organizers told the Review that in April, 2011, three of the participating churches had presented the nativity idea to their respective churches and had joined forces to make it a reality. Shortly thereafter, two others had signed-on, as well.  Next, all groups sent representatives to a meeting to discuss locating the event at a donated site in Jacksonville. Unfortunately, despite the generous offer, there were immediate challenges to using that site included running electricity to the site, graveling the roads and traffic control.

When the organizers met in August, a miracle happened when the owners of Bigham Knoll informed them that the Bigham Knoll Campus was theirs to use! The owners of the Bigham Knoll campus had always dreamed of doing this sort of outdoor event and now that the church partners were all lined-up, the event had found a home.

The Outdoor Nativity scenes will encompass a walking tour with narration. After taking the tour, everyone is welcome to assemble inside the beautifully-restored Gym for refreshments and Christmas caroling. All tours are FREE.

This joyful community event will be held December 16, 17 & 18.

Hours on Friday and Saturday will be 5 pm – 8 pm and on Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm.  The Bigham Knoll campus is located at 525 Bigham Knoll – take “E” Street off 5^th Street to the end. There will be plenty of parking with parking attendants along the way to guide you. The event organizers encourage everyone to fill up their cars and come out and celebrate the reason for the season!