From Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, The Cincinnati Ohio North Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made up of eight wards of 3,000 members, is hosting The Spirit of Christmas Nativity Exhibits and Music at its Liberty Twp. location, 7118 Dutchland Parkway.
“We’ve been doing this 10 years and the response has been great,” Communications Coordinator Kevin Wilson said.
Each year, hundreds of new collections from all over the world in different shapes, colors and sizes are contributed by church and community members.
“We want to share the spirit of Christmas with people,” said Bruce Ladle, first counselor in the stake presidency.
It’s a way to step away from the commercialization of the holiday and “reflect on the importance of Christ in our lives and, in some way, start the season out right” he said.
Choirs from Lakota West and Fairfield high schools and the Sharonville community will perform, and activities for children include a live nativity where they can dress in costumes and a scavenger hunt to find unique characteristics in the various nativities.
Open at 1 p.m. Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, the free event goes until 9 p.m. except on Sunday, when it ends at 8 p.m.
In honor of the 10th anniversary, there will be a VIP preview night Dec. 2, with invitations extended to government officials, Chambers of Commerce and community leaders from the region.
For more information visit http://annualnativitydisplay.blogspot.com.
Other area Nativities
The Crestview Presbyterian Church campus will be transformed Dec. 11 and 12 into the living town of Bethlehem, recreated as it might have been at the time of Jesus’ birth. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 9643 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, about 1,500 guests are expected at the third annual Night in Bethlehem, which is open to the public at no charge.
Costumes will be provided to wear while guests register for the census and walk the streets of Bethlehem into a bustling marketplace. At the call of shepherds, guests will travel to find the newborn savior.
Activities for children include bread baking, jewelry and pottery making and Hebrew writing classes. For more information call (513) 777-6555.
Take a walk through a life-size nativity and several scenes telling the story of Christmas, all illuminated with thousands of lights and accompanied with Christmas music at the Niederman Christmas Farm.
Open from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. now through Dec. 30, the free stroller and wheel chair accessible display includes live animals, decorated trees, free hot chocolate and cookies. The farm is located at 4972 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road in Liberty Twp. For more information call (513) 887-0725
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