Church Getting Revved Up for Drive-Through Nativity

A drive-through nativity scene with more than 100 actors, carolers and live barnyard animals may sound like a trendy Southern California portrayal.

But volunteers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church say the depiction of the birth of Christ at 24772 Chrisanta Drive tonight is actually a traditional religious program.

The church aims to guide visitors through the biblical event in a serious, artistic manner, said organizer Georgia Decker.

“In a very simple way, it tells the story,” Decker said. “That’s what drives us to do this.”

In a winding journey through the church grounds, cars will pass by eight scenes portraying the events leading to Christ’s birth, from Mary being told by an angel of her immaculate conception to the journey to Bethlehem.

Similar to the annual Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, it will feature church members dressed in costume to represent each part of the story. The actors will stand motionless as a narrator describes the scene.

The church decided to make the experience a vehicular one “because in Southern California, people are not inclined to get out of the car,” Decker said.

“Many families came last year with kids in pajamas,” she said. “They might have stopped at Taco Bell on the way over, and that’s fine with me. We just wanted to get the message out any way possible.”

Last year, the nativity presentation drew 3,600 people, Decker said. “I honestly didn’t expect the kind of crowds we got.”

Just in case some visitors do decide to leave their cars, the church decided this year to rope off a walkway for the event, which begins at 6 p.m.

Information: (714) 837-7467.