The annual live nativity scene at Bethany United Methodist Church adds a touch of elegance to the Christmas season and is unique to Catasauqua. This year, the celebration was on Dec. 21, after snow postponed an earlier scheduled date.

Live animals at the nativity scene are provided by the Appalachian Pet Farm, run by Larry and Kathy Reifsnyder. The farm is in Strausstown near the Cabela's store.

"We used to be open to the public, but the insurance premiums closed us down," said Larry Reifsnyder. "Now we bring the animals to scheduled events like this one."

All of the animals are rescued.

"Some of the exotic animals we get from zoos that just don't want to deal with orphans. Others are from individuals," said Kathy Reifsnyder.

Unique animals on display included Frizzle and Silky chickens along with a Sebastopol goose, native to Poland. According to Larry Reifsnyder, the English Angora rabbit, also on display, freely gives up its hair. He gave a clump to a nearby resident.

While the animals were a fascinating sideline, the main show was the live nativity scene.

Dan and Joan Pense filled the roles of Joseph and Mary. The nativity scene was not a static display as goats frolicked in the manger and actors took turns on stage.

Joan Pense is an accomplished singer with credits for voice training and a background in opera. She was able to perform her songs with a voice that caused one to pause and reflect.

The repertoire of singers included Mary Baird singing "Mary Did You Know" and Janelle Bristol with her rendition of "Offering." For the Bristols, it was a family affair. Janelle's husband, Michael, was the sound and light technician and her daughters, Allison and Krystina, were shepherds at the manger.

The only interruption to Bristol's performance was when one of the goats, either Dolly or Molly, decided that the manger was a better place to sit than an idle straw bale.

During breaks in the performance on the Fifth Street church property, Pense and her daughter, Hanna, performed a round of Irish dancing.

"This is what I like to do – sing and dance," said Joan Pense.