As they’ve done every year since 2004, the Shawnigan Alliance Church is inviting the community to “Come for Christmas.”
It’s time again for their live nativity event, a short outdoor show that includes around 100 volunteers from the congregation.
Along with the outdoor drama, which includes live animals, there’s a chance for kids of all ages to say hello to the animals after each show. Organizers are also asking everyone inside where adults can enjoy hot chocolate, homemade cookies and carol singing, while the children are invited to go downstairs to make and take home a craft.
“This has been a lot of fun and we have a huge turn out each year with clear weather, in rain, or even in snow,” say church organizers.
This year’s Live Nativity will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, with two shows, at 6 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.
The script is based on presenting the angels’ perspective on the boss’s decision to send his son, first performed last year and back by popular demand.
Entry is free and everyone is invited. (Be ready to walk a short slope downhill from the parking area).
The church will also have Christmas Eve services at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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Closer to Christmas Day, there’s another outdoor Christmas nativity pageant for families to enjoy.
For more than 20 years the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Duncan has set up a replica of Bethlehem and the stable where Christ was born in the small park behind their church on Tzouhalem Road.
There, on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22 and 23 at 6:30 and 7:30, both nights, the congregation will replay the “greatest story ever told” with a live re-enactment of the night Jesus was born. The production, which follows a very traditional format, is accompanied by the playing of recorded Christmas carols, sung beautifully by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Members of the wider community are invited to come and see this moving presentation. Organizers are reminding everyone who plans to come to bring gifts of non-perishable food for the food bank.
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Both of these productions are indeed outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and bring a blanket if you think you might need one. Seating is provided.