The actor’s mission was the same as at last week’s gig: Strike a pose, be friendly and stay in character, which is not too hard for a camel playing the part of a camel.

The next night might be a different story. That nativity scene in South Riding would involve a procession. But on this chilly December eve, Chewey the dromedary needed only to hang out next to the three kings at Centreville Baptist Church’s outdoor, drive-through nativity, where he and his sidekicks from Leesburg Animal Park – donkeys, sheep, goats and a calf – are such a staple that they are booked several months in advance.

Some churches with living nativities recruit members’ farm animals. But as nativities and other Christmas shows become ever more creative – Centreville Baptist’s is one of many multi-scene, drive-through productions in the region – professional zoo and ranch animals, whose owners charge hundreds of dollars an hour for their services, grow ever busier.

For most of the year, expert animals get occasional gigs at petting zoos, birthday parties and schools. Come December, they can boast holiday schedules worthy of socialites and requiring BlackBerries. Some traverse the region and beyond to star in holiday displays each weekend of the month and some weekdays.

It’s so appropriate of American Christians to produce such a creative combination of old and new — of living drivethrough nativities. Especially if you can afford a camel.