Ocala is not short on Christmas pageantry

For many families in the Ocala area, the Christmas season wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church’s Annual Living Nativity Pageant.

Now in its 26th year, the holiday extravaganza encompasses seven acres of the church’s large property and features more than 100 church members and volunteers, along with several dozen animals in a retelling of the Bible from Adam and Eve to Christ’s ascension.

“It’s become a beloved annual tradition for area residents, not just church members,” said Kirstyn McCormick, the pageant’s longtime casting director.

“People that came here as children are now bringing their children to see it,’ said McCormick, a local veterinarian whose husband Ben McCormick is the church’s student ministry director.

The Living Nativity Pageant will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; with walk-through tours from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and the drive-through experience taking place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. both days at the church, 151 SW 87th Place, Ocala.

In all, there are 16 different Biblical scenes for visitors to experience, including a real Pillar of Fire, a bustling Bethlehem village featuring a marketplace, the parted Jordan River, the Holy of Holies, Jesus in the manger, and an empty tomb.

“It starts with the first story of Adam and Eve and works its way through the history of God’s people,” said McCormick. “It tells the story of Jesus’ heritage.” The McCormicks have portrayed Adam and Eve, and their sons, Asher and Tate, now toddlers, have both played baby Jesus.

“Baby Jesus has always been a real baby in our pageant,” she said.

The event, the largest of its kind in Central Florida, also features horses, chickens, goats, sheep, a donkey, and a camel. Sadly, two longtime cast members of the animal kind, a donkey named Dumber that had been with the production since inception, and a llama, both passed away with year, she said.

There are also angels in trees, live music led by the church’s Worship Leader Mike Whitaker, as well as freshly baked bread cooked in an authentic-to-the-time clay oven, and roasted chicken, she said.

“The pageant truly is one of a kind,’ said McCormick, “Our goal in our heart is to share the story of Jesus in a way that’s different and more tangible.”

The pageant’s genesis was the brainchild of the church’s founding pastor, the Rev. Ted Strawbridge, who passed away in 2018, said McCormick.

“He had a dream; he looked at the property we were blessed with and said, ‘let’s build something,’” she said.

Current pastor, the Rev. Michael Rawls, and longtime church members Tom Everson, and Cara Oliver, also a veterinarian, have contributed to the pageant’s success over the years. Community members and businesses have also provided much-needed help, she said.

“It’s an amazingly big production for a pretty small church,” said McCormick. “Our success goes far beyond our congregation; there’s no way we’d be able to put on this production every year without the community’s help.”

Admission is free, but donations collected this year will benefit Exodus House, she said.

Besides the Living Nativity at Good Shepherd, there are plenty of other Christmas events taking place this week to remind us of the reason for the season. Here’s a list:

• Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church will host a Drive-in Night of Worship and Candlelight Service, featuring new and traditional Christmas Carols beginning at 6 p.m. Today (Dec. 17). The event will take place outside of the church, 14100 State Road 40, Silver Springs. Worshippers should bring their own blankets or chairs.
• Neighborhood Church Ocala, formerly Grace Church, will have a Christmas Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19) at the church, 6474 NE 7th St. The program will begin with a free meal and cookie decorating for kids, followed by Christmas carols, a Christmas story and candle lighting. The event is free and open to the public.
• The holidays can be a lonely and depressing time for those dealing with the death of a loved one or facing difficult times, and with that in mind Anthony United Methodist Church will host a Blue Christmas Service at 5 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 21). The program will include a meal, prayer and communion to sooth hurting hearts. The church is located at 2396 NE 97th Street Road.  
• Church of the Springs will have Christmas Eve services at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at its main campus in Ocala, 5424 SE 58th Ave., at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at its Southwest Campus, 2141 SW Hwy 484, Ocala, and at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at its Villages campus, 1601 Tracy Ave., Lady Lake.
• Christ’s Church of Marion County, 6768 SW 80th St., Ocala (off State Road 200) will celebrate the birth of Christ by hosting a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, with traditional Christmas carols, message from Pastor David Bellows, communion and the singing of “Silent Night,” by candlelight to close out the service. The public is welcome to attend. Details: ccomc.org or 352-861-6182.
• Grandview Baptist Church will host a Christmas Carol and Prayer Service from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 22) at the church, 233 NE 58th Ave., Ocala. The public is welcome to attend.
• Citra United Methodist Church, 2000 NE 180th St., will have a Christmas Eve Service of Lights at 11:30 of angels and a manger. The public is welcome to attend.
• Abiding Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and a Christmas Day service at 9 a.m. Dec. 25. The church, 777 SE 58th Ave., Ocala, welcomes the public to the services. (352)-694-1861
• Second Chance Church, 13405 SE County Highway 484, Belleview, will have its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. The service is open to the public.
• Ocala First United Methodist Church of Ocala, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., will host its annual traditional Christmas Eve Worship Service at 4 p.m. Dec. 24. The service will feature Emily Heumann, soloist and Kaylee. Ascencio, violinist.

The church will also host a Contemporary Christmas Eve Service, featuring its Treehouse Kids Christmas Show beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in its Family Life Center.

• City Light Church, 4645 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala will have a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. The public is welcome to attend.
• First Presbyterian Church of Ocala will have a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Worshippers and guests are asked to wear face masks. The church is located at 511 S.E. Third St.,
• First Baptist Church of Ocala will have its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. The service will include a Christmas message, a special children’s reading, and familiar songs and carols. The public is welcome to attend. The church is located at 2801 S. Maricamp Road, Ocala.
• Grace Episcopal Church will host its annual Christmas Eve services at 6 and 10 p.m. Dec. 24. The early service will not have incense, but the latter one will. Both services will be available in person or via livestream on the church’s YouTube channel. The church is located at 503 SE Broadway St., Ocala.
• Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 5 S.E. 17th St., Ocala, will have its annual Christmas Eve Mass at 7:10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, and Christmas Day services 8 a.m., and 4 and 6 p.m. Dec. 25. The public is welcome to attend.