Tonight Karen and I took the kids through The Living Christmas Story at Union United Methodist Church.

We’ve done this the past few years, but tonight we went by after picking up our tree from Helping Hands Nursery on Broad River Road (Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Chandler for always having a great selection every year!).

When I came home to write about the event, I was impressed with how much work goes on behind the scenes. One quick “google search” and I uncovered photos after photos. Obviously, it’s a big production and I really am impressed with how you feel like you’re in the town of Bethlehem with all the scenes, period clothes, soldiers, animals, and of course, a live baby for Jesus.

If you haven’t been – hurry. Tomorrow is the last performance.

Union United Methodist Church in Irmo will present its 15th annual “The Living Christmas Story” nativity Thursday, December 4, through Sunday, December 7. The free event will be presented each night from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the church, located at 7582 Woodrow Street in Irmo.

A drive-through Christmas nativity, “The Living Christmas Story” offers a dramatic sight and sound re-creation of Bethlehem and other Biblical scenes associated with the birth of Jesus. Visitors drive through 20 scenes that culminate with a live nativity. Live animals, handmade costumes, beautiful scenery, and more than 200 cast members make this a Christmas experience to remember for the entire family.

Again this year, preschool and elementary school groups are invited to walk through the nativity during a special “Children’s Living Christmas Story” program on Friday, December 5 at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are required and spaces are limited. Children’s groups interested in scheduling a walk-through should call Michelle Woods at 354-2401.

There is no admission charge to the event, which is a gift to the community from the church. Visitors in cars should enter on North Woodrow Street from U.S. 76. Church vans and institutional vehicles are given priority in line and should park in the lot on St. Andrews Road across from the church. Because attendance is typically higher on Saturday and Sunday nights, visitors may wish to consider attending on Thursday or Friday night when lines are shorter.

For more information, contact the church office at (803) 781-3013 or visit the church’s Web site at www.thelivingchristmasstory.com for a map.