Throughout the San Fernando Valley, Christians found myriad ways in December to embrace their faith as Christmas awaited.
Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church held its living nativity on Sunday, Dec. 17, drawing a crowd to see people gowned in ancient Biblical costumes, youngsters petting a donkey and a llama in their stables, and the Three Wise Men.
All were there to share with the public the church’s walk-through “living Nativity” event, a recreation of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The volunteers acted out scenes from the Nativity while visitors walk among the various tableaus. Cameron and Kendra Cohen portrayed the Holy Family with their infant son Carter.
Angels gathered in one tableau, while Sweetheart the llama watched the visitors pass by his stable. A youngster petted a donkey in its stable, and several volunteers played out other scenes.
Nick McLaughlin dressed as a shepherd, and Dustin Lee played one of Bethlehem’s townspeople. Chuck Spitler, with his long white beard, played one of the Three Wise Men, alongside the two other wise men, Fred Millis and Omar Wilder.
According to the Bible, Herod was the King of Judea when Jesus was born. King Herod and his family were depicted by Cyrus Pan, Axl Pan, Jessica Hanna and Ava Pan. Shelby Jones played an angel.
For the many children who came with their parents, the best part was that they could pet the peaceful animals.
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