Emily Alligood’s first appearance in First Church of Christ’s Living Christmas Tree program was 15 years ago. She starred as baby Jesus.

This year, Alligood will play the part of Mary.

In the 20 years the church has had the living Christmas tree program, there has always been a part for those who want one, said Steve Hill, director of the production.

Tim Emanuel has been in all 20 productions.

“It’s just one of those things that brings our church together and one of the few ways I get to meet people here,” Emanuel said.

The living tree’s branches have grown in its 20 years, figuratively and literally. Hill said a new tree was built a few years ago after the living tree choir blossomed to nearly 70 members. The choir started with 20 members.

This year’s production, “The Christmas Shoes,” has a cast of 15.

The program took more than 200 volunteers and about four months to plan.

Hill said he loves that the program is a gift to the community that unifies the church.

“We have a lot of ministries in the church, but this is something a 4-week-old baby and an 80-year-old member can work together in,” he said.

The tree started going up in November.

“It takes about a month to set up our scenery and it all comes down in one day,” Hill said. “It breaks my heart.”

Hill will spend another three days without a broken heart. The free show will run tonight, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. with prelude music beginning at 7 p.m.

First Church of Christ is located at 520 East Tenth Street in Washington. For more information, call 946-5236.