Nativities Around the World holiday display set for Dec. 7-11

Anyone looking for a local holiday display and event will not have to look very far. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting the 10th annual Nativities Around the World Dec. 7-11 in Moscow.

Nativities include nativity-themed music and ornamental displays with several nativity scenes on display.

“We've experienced that this event helps bring the community closer together,” said Scott McAdams, a volunteer organizer. “It also helps to emphasize and reinforce Christ in Christmas.”

The nativities come from several places around the world. McAdams said some of the places the nativities come from this year include Brazil, Israel, European countries, the Far East, Japan, Hong Kong and South America. He also said there are a number of Native American-themed displays from the U.S. There are more than 400 nativity sets that will be on display.

According to a news release for the event, musical performances are provided during the event. Groups and individuals are set to perform every half hour.

“Everyone in the Palouse region – whether or not they are members of a congregation or church – are invited to participate in this celebration of the Christmas spirit,” said Debbie Rigby, a volunteer organizer. “We feel the greater the involvement from the community, the greater the impact this event can have. Church choirs, quartets and other groups interested in performing reverent music at Nativities Around the World are invited to help share the joy of Christmas.”

According to the press release, the event started when an individual wanted to display dozens of nativity sets she had acquired from around the world, and “the event still celebrates that same desire to share global expressions of faith.”

“It's gives people a greater sense of the hope of Christ and is a reminder of how that can have an impact in their lives,” said McAdams.

In addition to having nativities on display, there is also a room set aside for children to have some fun. The children's room has crafts and nativity sets that can be played with. There is also a stable dress-up room where attendees can take photos.

McAdams said children will also be given photographs of the nativities to complete an “I spy” scavenger hunt where they can find the table each nativity is on.

Nativities will be in the cultural hall of the LDS church building located at 1657 S. Blaine St. (near Safeway) in Moscow. Hours on Dec. 7-9 are 6 to 9 p.m., and hours Dec. 10-11 are 12 to 9 p.m. Nativities is a free event.

More information at http://www.moscownativity.org. Anyone interested in volunteering in any way should contact [email protected]