>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Experience the true "Reason for the Season" as actors and live animals bring the first Christmas to life with a Living Nativity.

For the second year, the community has been invited to stroll through the little town of Bethlehem and encounter Roman guards, a census taker, shepherds, wisemen and more.

Last year, Bethlehem's census taker registered more than 625 visitors to view the recreation of Bethlehem. Many more are expected this year as the word has spread.

A new addition to this year's Living Nativity, weather premitting, is Clyde — a real camel. Meet Clyde as well as other animals of Bethlehem.

After last year's event, members of other churches in the county asked how they could help, making this event even bigger than last year.

A stroll through this version of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth includes more than 15 various replicas — some of them illustrated by local artist Jon Hanley — of the temple, a synagogue, the Roman garrison, money changers, blacksmiths, candle makers, dye shop and even an early Jewish home setting.

Everyone is invited to stay and fellowship with cookies and hot drinks to the background of live Christmas music indoors.

The event is free. Those who are able and wish to do so may donate in order to help defray the cost of the Living Nativity, support the Adventist Development and Relief Agency as well as other local community events.

The Living Nativity is run entirely by volunteers and hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.