The Nativity story is not a new one. Many churches perform renditions of the story for their congregations or the general public, but one Elizabethton church decided those churches were only telling part of the story.

Harmony Free Will Baptist Church has hosted their own Nativity story for seven years, but the story they tell does not end with the birth of Jesus like other churches. Rather, patrons witness the entire life of Jesus, right up to being greeted by Roman soldiers to watch his death.

Pastor Brandon Young said the Nativity, called “From the Cradle to the Cross,” is a better representation of the point of Jesus’s birth in the first place.

“He was born to die,” Young said. “He died so we could live.”

The Nativity starts out like many others with a walk around a path outside, showcasing the events preceding the birth of Jesus.

Young said they use live animals in their Nativity instead of props, and most of them come from church or community members.

However, the experience does not stop there.

“People are expecting a drive-through or a quick walk,” he said. “This is a full-fledged outdoor and indoor drama.”

After standing outside in the cold to witness the birth, Roman soldiers lead onlookers inside the church, who let them experience the young adult Jesus and then his crucifixion.

Young said showing the more complete version of the story was critical to the experience.

“We want to display the true meaning of Christmas,” Young said.

Between 50 and 75 volunteers coordinate around director Joy Gentry to make everything happen, with rehearsals on Wednesday and Sunday nights at least a month in advance.

“The last dress rehearsal is this Sunday,” he said. “We do not bring in the animals until we are ready to begin.”

The program is not the same every year, however. Young said the church is always trying to incorporate new ideas to liven the experience.

“We are always adding new songs over the years,” he said. “This year, we gave the two thieves who are crucified next to Jesus speaking lines.”

Young said a large part of his enjoyment in the Nativity is seeing the children respond to the message on display.

“It is fun watching the children’s faces as they get to pet the animals before the show,” he said. “It makes my Christmas.”

He said children interacting with the story helps them understand its true value.

This value, he said, is not exclusive to his congregation or even those who share his faith.

“We hope people who comes, whether religious or not, feel love and compassion while they are there,” Young said. “It is all about love.”

Another part of the Nativity’s success over the years is the volunteer force itself.

“It is encouraging as a pastor to see people putting in the time to do this,” he said.

The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 17-18, at the church, which is located at 3405 Gap Creek Road.

He said groups of 20 or more should call him or the church office at 423-725-3338 so they can make sure there is enough seating room.

“God gave his son because he loved us,” Young said. “We want to convey that love.”