The biblical story depicting the birth of Jesus is featured during the Living Nativity this weekend in Hermiston.

In its 26th year, the First United Methodist Church is presenting the free event as a way to celebrate the birth of Christ. The presentation is available Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday from 4-6 p.m. The church is located at 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. After viewing the scenes, people are invited inside the church’s fellowship hall for warm drinks and cookies.

“People really look forward to it,” said Becky Hunt, who has helped coordinate the effort for more than 10 years. “There are some people who don’t know the story of Jesus’ birth.”

About 50 participants are involved in the production between the two nights, Hunt said. It features a handful of scenes, including those representing the angels and shepherds, the wise men and camels, Joseph and Mary at the inn and a manger scene where baby Jesus is born.

Portraying characters from the biblical story include children as young as 5 all the way up to octogenarians, Hunt said. In addition, live animals featured are sheep, chickens and a donkey.

“I have people that return to do this each year that don’t attend our church,” she said. “It is a tradition for them.”

Among those returning to participate in the Living Nativity is Hunt’s daughter, Miranda, who is now attending graduate school in Colorado. A 2007 Hermiston High School graduate, the younger Hunt grew up participating with her family in the annual event.

“It’s a real fellowship and bonding time for our church members,” Hunt said. “It’s a lot of fun and people really look forward to it.”

For more information, call Hunt at 541-314-5797.