Members of Redeemer Lutheran Church will highlight the meaning of Christmas with their annual live nativity.
It's a tradition that dates back over 40 years according to Coordinator Sheila Ginn.
"The first year they did was it 1979," said Ginn. "Obviously during COVID we didn't do it for a year or two but then we went back to it."
The live nativity scene will include Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel, wisemen and shepherds, as well as live animals.
"We have a donkey and a couple of sheep too," said Ginn. "People donate their animals and pets for us to use."
Ginn said over the years, the nativity has become a custom for area families too.
"Way back when Mr. McMichael had his display, people would come to see the commercial Christmas at his home a few blocks away, and they would come to see the real meaning of Christmas at Redeemer," she said. "So it was sort of family tradition for a lot of people to do both."
The live nativity scene will be on display on the front lawn of the church at 429 Indian Rd. N Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night.
Pastor Colton LaMay will lead community carol singing beginning at 7 p.m. both nights.
Ginn said it's a community effort to put on the tableau every year.
"Well it really takes a whole village, overall maybe about 40 people because we have it for two nights with different people both nights, and we change that scene up during the night in shifts because of the time and the cold."
Ginn said observers are also welcomed into the church hall for coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.
