With Christmas music filling the air, a live Nativity scene sat across from Christ Independent Methodist Church Tuesday night.

Eleven members sat in character for two hours as onlookers drove by and stopped and took pictures in admiration.

The church has been showing their live Nativity scene for more than 40 years.

“I grew up in this church for 47 years and they have been putting this on since then,” said Shea Simms, who had four children participating in the showing.

“This is a tradition for us. It’s just our way of showing the community the true meaning of Christmas.”

The show lasted from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and usually runs for two days, but is running only one day this year.

Participants in this year’s live Nativity scene at Christ Independent were: Laurel Lee Adams, angel; Aiden Simms, Joseph; Ethan Simms, wise man; Ryan Brand, wise man; Cheyenne Hicks, wise man; Kyla and Kyra Simms, shepherds; Anna Adams, shepherds; Nate Adams, shepherds; Autumn James, Mary; Paige Knox, shepherd.