Folks in Central Florida can journey through some of the most riveting scenes in biblical history in December when they “Follow the Star” of Bethlehem.

For the fourth consecutive year, Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland will present “Follow the Star,” a live nativity scene that has taken on a life of its own since the church first presented it to the public.

Thousands of people have visited the seven-acre campus to travel through nine expertly crafted scenes that culminate at the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. Last year approximately 600 people took the journey, and a similar turnout is expected once again for the event, which features scores of actors, sets, props, music and more.

This year’s “Follow the Star” will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10. Guests will gather by the side of the church and be sent in groups of three: at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. There is no charge for the event.

“What started as a recurring dream by a parishioner in 2014 has evolved into a yearly event that surpasses all of our expectations,” said Church of the Good Shepherd rector, the Rev. Sarah Bronos. “The Good Shepherd live nativity has garnered the support of the entire church family, friends, neighboring churches and even college students.

“The purpose is simple: to bring alive the events leading up to and including the birth of Jesus,” Bronos said. “We hope that believers stand in awe of this miracle and we pray that nonbelievers find hope and joy in the love of Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd live nativity is our Christmas gift to our surrounding communities.”

The live nativity begins with the Annunciation, as Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel. Scene two portrays Mary’s visit to her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, with whom she shares her joy.

The third scene shows an angel of God visiting Joseph in a dream. In the fourth scene, a Roman soldier reads the decree concerning the census. In scene five, Mary and Joseph embark on their journey to Nazareth.

In scene six, in front of the outside altar, Mary and Joseph welcome their newborn baby on bales of hay. Further along the path, guests can enjoy scene seven where they see the shepherds in their fields visited by angels.

Getting closer to the nativity scene, guests then see three wise men in the distance following the star in scene eight.

The ninth and final scene is the manger scene under the star. Mary and Joseph, with a live baby and many live animals, are joined by an angel and the shepherds, who upon finding the child, stand in awe of this miracle, which is God coming to dwell among us as a newborn babe, according to Holy Shepherd parishioner Bobbi Vogel, whose recurring dream sparked the formation of the event.

To help guests understand each scene, each set features the appropriate backdrop. Vogel said great attention is paid to staging and props to make the scenes look as authentic as possible. The church purchased some prop enhancements, as well as three life-size camels, donkeys and sheep from The Holy Land Experience estate sale.

Actors wear handmade costumes created by a women’s group from the church and “bring life to the written biblical passage that is posted on a large scroll at the entrance to each set. A local 4-H club partners with us to provide live animals,” Vogel said.

Guests then end their journey in the parish hall, where they can enjoy entertainment and a sing-a-along from the 40-member gospel choir of Seminole High School in Sanford. Guests also can enjoy cookies, punch and a time for reflection, as well as meet the costumed wise men and shepherds.

People who “Follow the Star” can travel at their own pace in the outdoor event, which will have luminaries lining the sidewalks, and set and prop lighting provided by the Full Sail College Lighting Department.

“We all have family traditions and we pray that the Good Shepherd live nativity event might find special meaning to become a family tradition for you,” Vogel said. “Last year about 600 guests walked the nativity path, and the attendance has increased each year. Mark your calendar now so your family can follow the star and walk the journey to Bethlehem.”

Because of the sheer breadth of the event, Church of the Good Shepherd always welcomes actors and volunteers from other congregations.

“This event is a labor of love,” Vogel said. “Finding enough actors is always a challenge. The commitment is minimal: one short practice and costume fitting, and two hours on December 10. The memory of participating in this event will certainly outlast the commitment.”

For more information on acting, serving as a volunteer or other details, call the church office at 407-644-5350.