New Utrecht Reformed Church celebrates with annual “Living Nativity” scene

Bensonhurst has been spreading holiday cheer for decades and this year was no exception as the New Utrecht Reformed Church held its annual presentation of the “Living Nativity” on Saturday, December 16.

From 3 to 5 p.m., the church lawn was the site of the unique celebration of Christmastime, where, each year, local people don biblical costumes and pose with live animals, such as goats and sheep, to reenact the famous Nativity scene. Children also take part in the annual event.

“We began the popular tradition in 1956. It’s actually kind of a ‘Christmas card’ we offer to our neighborhood and beyond,” said Vice President of New Utrecht’s Consistory Susan Hanyen regarding past live Nativities at the church.

Just as the church does, local families look forward to the event each winter. This year, special tours of the sanctuary building restoration progress were also given during the event.

The New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Avenue and 84th Street, was founded in 1677.

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