Johnson and Betty Parker are working hard again this year to produce the second annual “Miracle in Bethlehem” at Calvary Baptist Church, located on Chason Street in Bainbridge.
The drive-thru live nativity scene tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the time the Angel tells Mary of the approaching birth, through the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to pay their taxes, and beyond.
The gates of Bethlehem open off Chason Street in front of the church on Tuesday night, Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will continue nightly through Friday, Dec. 13.
Betty Parker, whose inspiration and organization has made the event possible, said they have added to the scene this year.
As you enter the grounds there is an angel coming down from the sky to proclaim to Mary that she is with child. Next stop is an angel explaining the circumstances to Joseph. The third stop is a huge King chair representative of King Herod of Judea who proclaimed that all children under the age of two be killed.
From there the various village shopkeepers are arranged along the road tending  their stores of grains, vegetables, baskets etc. There is also a carpenter shop indicative of the occupation of Jesus as an adult.
There are live goats and calves at the stable scene, where another angel is perched overhead keeping watch on the babe in the manger.
Add to this scene Roman soldiers, shepherds watching their flocks by night, and the story ends with the three wise men who come in search of the Christ child.
Members of Calvary Church have assumed the roles of the various characters and have helped with the construction and set up of all the booths and scenery.
The Parkers initiated the live nativity scene last year as a way of bringing the Christmas story to all, not just to those who are church members.
They encourage people and their families in the community to come drive through the scenes and experience the Christmas story as portrayed by Calvary Church members.