Nativity scenes on display in Palmer

Local community and religious members are hosting a display of more than 200 nativities with the hopes of ushering in the Christmas season and focusing on its true meaning -- the celebration of the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

Live music will be performed throughout the afternoon to create the ambience of holiday cheer and reverent appreciation. Local school, community and church groups will assist in providing music.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 8 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Palmer Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is located on West Arctic Avenue.

Participation in the display is open to everyone, from all religions.

Registration and setup is scheduled for Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Because of security reasons, the nativities will be monitored throughout the duration of the event.

The nativities will be displayed with themed groups participating in the "Royal Birth" room, decorated in deep blues and purples.

The gold room will focus on the theme "Wise Men Still Seek Him," followed by a white room with the scriptural theme "and His Name shall be called Wonderful … The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)."

The intent is to create a visual impact with the different colors to enhance the beauty of the individual nativities.

There will be a live nativity performed by families throughout the afternoon in the children's nativity display room, which will also include a designated area of hands-on activities. Another room will host a video presentation of the Savior's birth, which will run every five to 10 minutes.

International nativities will be grouped together as well as wooden or carved, handmade, miniature, traditional, contemporary and so on.

The entire display area will be enhanced with lighted trees, wall hangings, wreaths, lights and good cheer.

The event is free to all and there will be plenty of parking. For more information, interested people may contact Nancy at 745-7388.