Nativity walk to return to Wauconda church

It is one thing to read about Christ's birth.

But it is another to walk through the story complete with characters, song and live animals.

That is what Patti Christensen discovered each time she attended a live nativity walk at her mother-in-law's church in Elk Grove. It brings the story to life.

And that was why she suggested to bring a walk closer to home, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda.

"It's not just a story on a page. It's walking through it," she said. "It's a neat experience."

Messiah Lutheran Church will once again present its live nativity walk at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda.

Led by two narrators, the walk begins outside as Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant and they begin their journey to the manger. The story continues to unfold indoors as walkers can take part in familiar carols such as "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Away in the Manger," and view the manger set up in the courtyard filled with live animals.

Christensen said what people commented most about the walk last year was the chance to get up close to the animals, including llamas, sheep and goats.

Guests may enjoy cookies and hot chocolate after the program.

Christensen said between 400 and 450 people took the first walk. She knew many would be disappointed if the walk did not return this year.

"Immediately after people attended, they asked me, 'You will have it next year, won't you?'" she recalled.

There is no cost to attend the walk. A free will offering will be collected. Christensen said donations will go toward church and community needs.