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St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church transformed its Springfield grounds into Bethlehem for its seventh annual living nativity, complete with costumed church members, barnyard animals and the congregation’s crowd-favorite camel.

The pre-Christmas event has become a neighborhood tradition and earned St. Christopher’s the nickname “the camel church.” While many seasonal displays rely on figurines, this production casts people as the Nativity’s central figures and animals from Bar C Ranch in Berryville as the stable’s residents.

Living nativities trace their history to Saint Francis of Assisi, who recreated the birth of Jesus with a manger and animals in 1223. Like Advent calendars, wreaths, candles, carols, cards and Christmas trees, the displays help tell the story at the heart of the holiday.

This year, AJ Adams made his debut as baby Jesus, joined by his parents, Bethany and Adam, as Mary and Joseph. The role typically goes to one of the church’s youngest members, although AJ’s interest in buses might have made him more enthusiastic about playing a driver—if the story had called for one.

Returning cast members included Norbert Hymels, Camilla Hicks, Mike Synder and Chris Lane. Hymels, a veteran wise man, joked that no audition was necessary because the costume fit him.

Moses, a friendly and camera-ready dromedary with soft fur, led the animal cast and shared top billing with baby Jesus as one of the event’s perennial stars.

The Rev. Carey Conners said the congregation embraces the celebration because it brings children into the Christmas story while creating a joyful neighborhood gathering with food, music and community.

That community focus extends throughout the year. Church volunteers knitted 93 scarves and 40 sock caps for students at nearby Crestwood Elementary School and supplied meals for children during school breaks and holidays. A toy drive held during the nativity and the broader holiday season benefited local assistance organizations ECHO and Second Story.

For 4-year-old Springfield resident Rowe Grinsley, even the available hot dogs could not compete with the camel.

“It’s big,” Rowe explained before offering a verdict that captured the event’s spirit: “It’s a fun event.”