(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the December 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Imagine stepping back in time, not through the pages of a book or the glow of a screen, but into a living, breathing Bethlehem. This is the magic of Nativity Nights—an immersive, community-driven event at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas. Visitors are invited to walk through the nativity story—witnessing the journey of Mary and Joseph, meeting biblical figures like the prophet Isaiah, the wise men, and the shepherds, and ultimately standing in awe at the humble birthplace of Christ. It's a family-friendly experience, powered by more than 100 volunteers who pour their time and talents into making this unforgettable event happen year after year.
For Daniel Hensz, Director of Discipleship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nativity Nights holds a special place in his heart. Having grown up in Harlingen and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church since childhood, Daniel has witnessed firsthand how the event has grown and evolved over the years. “I grew up at St. Paul. I was born and raised here in Harlingen, and just in the last five years, I started working at St. Paul. I felt God calling me back to the people of Harlingen and the community,” Hensz shares.
At its inception, Nativity Nights was a small celebration, in which members of the church would bring in their personal nativity sets to place on display and share with the congregation. Some came from places around the world; others had deep sentimental value to the people who shared them. “But as we got bigger, we asked, ‘How can we bring the story of the birth of our Savior to life for this community?’” Hensz shares.
The answer was to go beyond static displays and create an immersive, walk-through nativity story. As each year passed, the church added more elements—more biblical characters, more scenes, and live animals and actors who portray the key figures in the Christmas story. This hands-on approach has helped make Nativity Nights a standout event, especially for families.
Photos courtesy of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Now in its eighth year, Nativity Nights has become a beloved holiday tradition, not only for members of the church but for the entire Rio Grande Valley.
The event is a true labor of love. Over 100 volunteers give their time, creativity, and skills to create everything from the life-size set pieces and handmade wooden structures to professional-grade costumes and authentic props. Live animals like sheep and goats add to the authenticity of the experience.
“It truly takes a village—a community, a church community—to bring it all together,” Henzs says.
One of the keys to the success of Nativity Nights is the church’s commitment to making each year better than the last. The event grows and evolves with each passing season, and that creativity is driven by the desire to make the nativity experience even more impactful for visitors. Preparing for an event of this caliber is a year-long ordeal. As Hensz laughingly puts it, “We’re never not talking about Nativity Nights!”
This year St. Paul Lutheran Church is excited to share their brand-new gathering space with the community. The new space adds an additional area for fellowship, and Hensz and the team are eager to share it with Nativity Nights visitors. “The new space adds an additional community area. We’re looking forward to welcoming the community in that space, and seeing it filled.”
For the volunteers who have worked on Nativity Nights for years, the new space is an exciting opportunity to expand and enrich the event further.
While the nativity walk is the centerpiece of the event, there’s much more to enjoy during Nativity Nights. Families can enjoy live music, face painting, festive crafts, and even a variety of food and treats, making the event both a spiritual experience and a festive gathering for the whole community. And perhaps most importantly, Nativity Nights is always free and open to the public. In a world where many events have a price tag, St. Paul Lutheran Church remains committed to offering this celebration at no cost. “We never want to charge anybody to come and hear about Jesus,” Hensz says.
As much as the volunteers, costumes, and set pieces make Nativity Nights a magical experience, Hensz emphasizes that it’s the people of the community who truly make the event special. “It’s not just about ‘Hey, come to our church.’ It’s about making a connection with our community,” Hensz explains.
For Hensz, Nativity Nights is not just an event—it’s a family tradition. His own family has been involved in the event for years, participating as performers. “My wife and I have gotten to be Mary and Joseph a couple of times,” Hensz shares. “And two years ago, our fourth [daughter] was Baby Jesus in the nativity also… And I’m sitting there as Joseph thinking about what must have the actual Joseph been going through?” Nativity Nights has become a personal and spiritual experience that has woven itself into the fabric of his family’s holiday celebrations.
What began as a humble display of tabletop nativity sets has blossomed into a grand, immersive experience, with live animals, handmade props, and dramatic performances that transport visitors to the streets of Bethlehem. Nativity Nights at St. Paul Lutheran Church is a living testament to the power of community, faith, and tradition. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been coming for years, you’ll find that the warmth of the community, the joy of the season, and the message of Christ’s birth come to life in ways you won’t soon forget.
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