LDS Church presenting film in place of live Nativity scene
Since 1986, Lethbridge and area residents have gathered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 43 Street to enjoy the holiday season by watching a short live Nativity production with live actors and live animals.
Often braving cold temperatures, families have gathered on the bleachers to listen to and watch the story of Mary, Joseph, closed inns, angels, shepherds and the baby Jesus as told through the Christmas hymns in a 20minute show. Many families have made it part of their annual Christmas tradition.
COVID-19 regulations have closed the traditional live event, but the Church members are especially determined this year to not let the hope of the season fade with so many other closures.
“With all the hardship that people have experienced because of COVID-19, we wanted to still create a community event that allowed us to collectively remember the reasons for the season,” says Dr. Aaron Low, a local physician who serves as the leader of the host church unit.
In lieu of the live event, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is excited to host a drive-in movie to show a professionally filmed version of the Nativity. The show is a very high-quality offering of the Nativity story filmed in its original languages and period setting.
“This year more than ever before, we appreciate the influence of Jesus Christ in our lives. Though experienced differently than in years past, we hope the community will continue to find meaning and comfort from the story of the Christ child” says Dr. Low.
The movie is free, and showings are at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. tonight through Thursday.
The Church is found at 4105 Forestry Ave. S. and officials have asked to have drivers pull into the west parking lot as a staging area before receiving instructions to watch and listen. The movie is also available on their website at https://www.comeuntochrist. org/light-the-world2020/the-christ-child.