Arlington Nativity Festival celebrates hope Dec. 6-9

ARLINGTON — The music group Third Day sings, "I want to feel Christmas like a child ... it's all about Jesus, asleep in the straw, this infant, this King, this Savior for all."

Organizers of the annual Arlington Nativity Festival aim to capture that sentiment and pass it on to their attendees. Hundreds of nativities from around the world, a live nativity scene and live musical performances are intended to provide an inspirational setting to help attendees celebrate Christmas and see the majesty of the season with the eyes of a child.

Within the Life of Christ room at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 17222 43rd Ave. NE in Arlington, the artwork and objects will depict the journey of Christ, from his birth in a manger to his death on a cross. In the center of the room, a fireplace setting will focus on bringing hope into people's homes through a Christ-centered life.

Young ones can play with friends, handle kid-friendly nativity pieces and make crafts in the children's activity room. Children will have the chance to dress up in period costuming and have their photos taken in a children's nativity scene, complete with stables and handmade wooden animals. Copies of the photos will be available for free download from a secure site.

The festival is open 4-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, and Friday, Dec. 7, as well as from noon to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, and from 3-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. On both Dec. 8 and 9, a choir concert will take place at 7 p.m.

The Arlington Nativity Festival is a non-denominational event. Details are available at www.arlingtonnativityfestival.org. Admission is free.

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