NATCHEZ — The little Lord Jesus rested in a manger, with no crib for a bed.

It’s a biblical story that has been passed down for generations, and Jefferson Street United Methodist Church will continue the story through its annual live nativity scene program.

The nativity scene will feature local students portraying the three wise men, the three shepherds, an angel, Joseph and the Virgin Mary, with a baby doll representing Jesus.

The church performed the nativity scene Thursday night, and will continue the performance from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. today and Saturday on 511 Jefferson St. in downtown Natchez.

Youth coordinator Letta Crocker hopes Miss-Lou residents will attend the scene and feel the Christmas spirit.

“This is a tradition for United Methodist,” Crocker said. “If it touches one person, then the preparation was worth while.”

Much of the preparation included constructing the stable, gathering animals and fitting participants in costumes.

Crocker said she enjoys the message the nativity scene gives.

“We don’t have as much of the Christian message in Christmas as we used to,” Crocker said. “I feel that’s it’s very important we do this — a message about the birth of Christ.”

Crocker said the nativity scene will include two live sheep and a donkey, which will be brought by Brandy Lipsey of Monterey.

Students James Allen Coley and Mary Evans Kelley of Cathedral and Taylor Lessley of Trinity are among the volunteers to participate in the program.

“It’s great to put on a live nativity scene where the community can see it and the children can come and pet the sheep,” Coley, junior, said. “It teaches (children) about Jesus while showing them a good time.”

Coley portrayed Joseph, while Kelley portrayed the Virgin Mary.

“I’ve participated for the last three years,” Kelley, freshman, said. “It’s so much fun to see the kids come up and watch us,” Kelley said. “Since we can’t move, it’s funny to see the looks on the kid’s faces when they watch us.”

Lessley was happy to help with the nativity scene for the first time, and was pleased to portray one of the wise men.

“I just picked one out,” Lessley, 7th grader, said. “It was my first year, and I didn’t really know what to be.”

Lessley said she participated because of her love for Christmas and to celebrate the birth of Jesus, in her own way.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on the nativity scene, call 601-442-3795.