The costumes are made, the stable display is up, and cold nights are on the way for a decades-old Sarnia Christmas tradition.
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People are invited to check out a live nativity scene outside Redeemer Lutheran Church off Indian Road Saturday and Sunday, said the church’s Sheila Ginn.
Volunteers will donate the scene attracting for the tableau, featuring live farm animals and a baby Jesus doll, from 6-8 pm both nights, said the church spokesperson.
Carol singing will be led by church pastor Colton LaMay for 20 to 30 minutes each night at 7 pm
With temperatures forecast to hit negative double digits overnight, there will be shift changes as needed, she said.
“Depending on how cold it is, we . . . change them up more often,” she said.
A donkey, goat and lamb will be part of the scene this year, loaned from locals who keep the animals, she said. Hay is also donated
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Donors and some 35 volunteers – performers, set and costume creators, those who feed participants before and offer cookies and warm beverages to the public after – help out every year, she said.
“We are very grateful for all the volunteers who take part,” Ginn said. “It takes a lot of people to put this together.”
“It is a tradition for many families in Sarnia and in the community to come see our live nativity,” Ginn said, whether they simply drive by or come out to carol, then stay for coffee and hot chocolate.
The display has happened every year since 1979, save two amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.
“It’s important that the Sarnia community is aware of the real meaning of Christmas,” Ginn said.
“It’s very important to me,” she added, noting she’s been involved for many years and her children, now in their 40s, took as teens.
The set is assembled a week before and taken down Boxing Day, she said.
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