Mary and Joseph smile as the new mother cradles Baby Jesus in the manger at a past a Live Nativity performance. Photo courtesy of Scott Tourville 

SHERIDAN, CA (MPG) – A jewel of an experience shines in Sheridan, thanks to the Bear River Missionary Baptist Church and volunteers that bring a Live Nativity to the public.

For three days this December, a cast of over 40 actors Sheppard guests through a live performance of the nativity story, moving through a total of 14 elaborate scenes.

The sets stay up year-round, providing a bit of shelter for the live show that runs rain or shine, and features live animals to create a hyper-realistic scene.

The story starts outside the gates of Jerusalem, with Roman soldiers pushing guests through to discover new stages depicting parts of the journey that leads up to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Roz Ridenour, from the Live Nativity, told the Territorial Dispatch that volunteers travel from as far as Oregon to participate in the live shows. Ridenour shared that the nativity has been performing for a decade has drawn thousands throughout its run, with one year lost to COVID-19.

A Live Nativity is located at 5911 Camp Far West Rd. in Sheridan, CA. Shows will be held Fri., Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., Sat. Dec. 20 and Sun. Dec. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. Shows begin every 20- minutes and free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate are available for guests while they wait or after their experience. While this is a free community event, donations are welcomed and accepted.