DECATUR - Pontius Pilate has been known in history as the man who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus.

Two young men, Brian and Craig Munson, will bring back to life the Roman governor who buckled under political pressure even though he believed Jesus was innocent, during the "Journey to Bethlehem Living Nativity" today and Sunday on the grounds of St. John's Lutheran Church.

This is the 20th year that St. John's has provided the community with the walk- and drive-through Living Nativity, featuring 11 scenes.

The church is proud of its newest scene this year in which Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, and the angel choir also returns and will sing Christmas carols.

Of course, all the live animals such as camels, donkeys, sheep, goats and chickens, are back as well.

Debbie Weise, organizer of the event, said it takes at least 200 volunteers make the Living Nativity, from the costumes to the sets.

"I think it's special every year and a challenge to get so many people to participate as it continues to grow," Weise said. "It's an event for the community where people can fellowship and participate in something very moving."

For the past 12 years, Robert Stymets has helped put the Living Nativity together.

He said the first year he got to light all the candles, the second year he played the inn keeper at the inn and now builds the sets for each scene.

"The hardest scene to build was the manger scene, but we added some stairs that is bolted to a back wall backdrop," he said. "We brought back the angel choir, and I added a backdrop of a glowing star to outline the choir."

Stymets said the new Jesus and Pontius Pilate scene is "our pride and joy this year," with Jesus standing on plywood that is painted to look like a cobblestone street. Pontius Pilate will be standing on a deck with a backdrop behind him of columns and a carved eagle painted gold sitting on the center column. The imperial eagle was the symbol of Rome at the time, Stymets said.

"I have a lot of fun doing this and putting together the scenes, improving the

scene every year and offering people something new," he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Journey to Bethlehem Living Nativity

WHEN: Walk through from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and drive through from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today and Sunday.

WHERE: St. John's Lutheran Church, 2727 N. Union St.

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