Drive-Through Nativity

We took advantage of an annual tradition here in Mission Viejo and headed a short distance over to the drive-through nativity display at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church. I'd read about their display in the past but had never seen it. Judging by the traffic going into the area, it's pretty popular with the locals.

The church has created a winding route through their parking lot (and a neighboring office building) and has set up a number of displays which tell the Christmas story. The displays include a mix of live actors and animals, both real and otherwise, including a number of sheep, goats and one live camel. The actors are decked out in period garb with signs explaining the story as you go. They also broadcast a reading of the Christmas story on a local FM channel so you can listen as you go. As we entered the display area they gave us a Christmas CD recorded by the church along with a brochure advertising their service times and providing some info about the church. It's a great outreach idea.

As we reached the end of the displays it started to sprinkle a bit. A good sized storm is due in tonight, but hopefully will hold off before their 10pm shutdown. My hat's off the staff and volunteers that pulled this all together. It's a creative way to get the Christmas message out to the community, and reach out to those that may not otherwise have known about the church.

If you're in South Orange County and want to enjoy the hard work of the Mount of Olives volunteers, take the I-5 to La Paz Road. Go east on La Paz to Chrisanta and follow the brake lights. The display will run tomorrow night as well from 6-10pm.