See you Saturday, December 5
and Sunday, December 6, 2026!
5-8 PM each night
Discovery Bible Church, Gig Harbor
Parking is available across the street at Harbor Covenant Church
The multitude of angels that announced his birth to the simple shepherds were right when they said, “Glory to God in highest.” Luke 2:14
Jesus arrived humbly that dark night to bring glory to God and peace to us. The sinless Son of God died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin—the Good Shepherd lovingly laid down His life for His sheep. Jesus was buried, was resurrected the third day, and then ascended to heaven with a promise to return. It is astounding to think this baby born in obscurity has affected more people than any other person in human history. All who repent of sin and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will find complete forgiveness and peace with God. Romans 10:9-13
The Living Nativity at Discovery Bible Church in Gig Harbor
The idea for our first Living Nativity came in 1998 when our youth group put together a simple manger scene along the edge of our parking area. About 26 people acted as Joseph and Mary, shepherds, and magi for the evening. About 58 cars drove through and a few walkers for a total of 243 that first night. Interest was high, so we did it again the following year with some angels singing, too – this time 481 folks came.
Each year cars and crowds grew so we added showings on more nights, and our character cast grew to over 100 depicting more aspects of the first Christmas. Eventually, we had about a dozen scenes complete with animals, torchlight, and special effects. By 2011 the number of cars and walkers grew to about 5,000. Scenes now were realistic with the characters interacting with guests as if they were visiting Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. We strove to be as biblically accurate as possible and leave out contemporary expressions of Christmas that had nothing to do with the birth of Christ. People coming through loved it and some were even in tears.
With the larger crowds came hazards with both cars and walkers coming through Bethlehem. Therefore, in 2012 our friends at Harbor Covenant Church opened their entire parking area so guests could park there and walk across the street to our village. Guests can now see scenes up close, interact with characters like the Roman guards, village merchants, shepherds, magi, and the manger scene.
Entrance to the Living Nativity is free, even though expenses have increased. Donations are gratefully accepted and can be made securely online here.
