Redeemer Lutheran Church is ready to display "the true meaning of Christmas" through its live nativity scene.
President of the Board of Directors Sheila Ginn said the display is a Sarnia tradition, dating back over 40 years.
"We did have to stop during the pandemic but we went back to the nativity scene last year," Ginn said. "Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we were only able to do it for one night because the weather for the second night was too severe to risk having it."
A severe winter storm impacted the region on December 23, 2022, to the point where Highway 402 was completely closed between Sarnia and London.
Ginn said the tableau will include seven actors and two live animals, a donkey and a sheep.
However, several other people lent a helping hand to put on the display. Ginn said volunteers help with the costumes, making supper for the participants, baking cookies, and there's a team tasked with putting up and taking down the barn setting.
"It's definitely a labour of love by our congregation," she said.
The nativity scene will run from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Caroling will begin at 7 p.m.
Ginn said guests are also invited into the church hall for hot chocolate and cookies.
-With files from Josh Boyce
