It’s a chilly December night but visitors from across Salt Lake County have arrived at a farm in South Jordan to view a live Nativity sharing the timeless story of Jesus’s birth. The scene is intended to send visitors back to the humble beginnings of Christmas. 

For many years, Jan Criner, Judy Cox and Joan and Ron Ward have organized the Nativity that gets set up at the corner of 2700 W. 10000 South on Thanksgiving evening and runs through December. Christmas music accompanies the scene that includes live horses, goats, lambs and donkeys. On the canal bank near the Nativity, three wise men stand with their camels. 

“It’s good to take time to think about the whole plan of life and be humbled that way,” Criner said. “It’s about everything that the Savior has done for us and how much He cherishes and loves us and cares for us. It’s just a reminder not to forget Him.”

The farm has been in Criner’s family since her great-grandfather bought the property in 1906 and has been home to five generations. Except for a few years she spent in Oklahoma, Criner has lived in the area her whole life. She enjoys setting up the display each year and understands the meaning it has for the community.

“Lots of people come from all over to enjoy it every year and it’s truly a labor of love,” South Jordan resident McKenzie Mitchell said.

The Nativity started with a stable that included Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, some llamas and sheep in its first year, and each year a new component has been added including shepherds, an angel and a “new and improved” star.

This year’s Nativity uses 1,500 feet of extension cords, 10 spotlights, a plethora of Christmas lights and 15 corral panels for the animals. Each year the family recreates the journey to Bethlehem where they dress up like shepherds and walk to the Nativity where they read the account from the book of Luke and sing Christmas carols. 

“Our family has loved their Nativity,” South Jordan resident Sheri Petersen said. “Now my grandkids ask me to please drive past it every day. It is a highlight at Christmas.”

The families consider the Nativity a Christmas gift to Jesus. They’ve received lots of messages from people who tell them how much the display inspires them. 

“Two people told me they live in Idaho, but always get their grandkids and stop by when they come for the holidays,” Criner said. “Several people have dropped off treats, cash and thank you notes at my door, which I promptly give to Joan and Ron, since they are the masterminds of the project.” λ