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Step into the wonder of Christmas with an outdoor living nativity featuring candlelights, live animals, and angels singing from the literal rooftops. An event perfect for the whole family! Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th, 3pm-6pm. The event is free, but you are invited to bring a canned good as a gift to lay at the foot of the manger, and there will be an opportunity to donate to support the ministry of the church. Masks are required and provided. Join us online for our Christmas Eve Service at 9pm, or our Christmas Day Service at 9:30am.
WHAT TO EXPECT 
Drive in at the Mangrove Avenue Entrance across from Bidwell Perk.
Please park in the large parking lot behind the church. 
As you approach the church, you'll be greeted at the Welcome Table, where Greeters will explain to you the safety protocols which include: wearing a mask at all times, staying at least 6 feet apart from people outside of your family, following the directions of the shepherds inside the nativity, and leaving some contact information in case there is need for contact tracing.
At the Welcome Table you'll also have the option to pick up a candle.
After you've checked in at the welcome table, follow the lights into the church courtyard.
On the roof you'll see musicians dressed as angels singing from on high.  
You'll see an enclosure featuring sheep, chickens, and a duck. You'll also see an enclosure featuring pygmy goats playing on a playground. A therapy-certified miniature horse will be walking freely. Next to each of the animals will be a sign explaining the biblical significance of each animal and asking some Christmas-themed questions to ponder as you admire each animal. At the direction of the shepherd, you may pet the miniature horse. Please do not attempt to pet the other animals. Beside the goat enclosure there is bucket in which you may choose to donate to help a family in need receive a goat through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's global ministry, Good Gifts
Please travel in a counter-clockwise direction through the courtyard.
After the animals, you'll see a small manger featuring Mary and Joseph. From 3pm-3:30pm there will also be a live baby "Jesus."  If you have brought canned goods, you are invited to lay them at the foot of the manger. This food will go to the Chico Food Project to feed hungry families in our own community. 
After visiting the manger, please continue in a counter-clockwise direction around the back of the manager and the goats to exit the courtyard where you entered. 
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Faith Lutheran Church.
Have a very merry Christmas!