Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — For 31 years the congregation of the First United Methodist Church has offered a beautiful seasonal gift to the community by staging a re-creation of the Holy Night for three nights just before Christmas. Under a redwood tree and adjacent to the church, a grassy area is transformed into a humble wooden stable, complete with a serene Mary, Joseph and tiny baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Three majestic kings stand by with their gifts to the Holy Child, attentive angels appear nearby, and lowly shepherds tend to their flocks. Live camels, sheep, donkeys and goats surround the manger taking in the wonder of it all. It is a silent and beautiful scene to behold.
Year after year this event draws multigenerational families back – it’s free! The Living Nativity will be held for 3 nights: December 20, 21st and 22nd from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival style church, with its sanctuary decorated in seasonal finery including a display of crèches on the communion rail, will be open. Docents will be available to answer questions about the building, including the historic stained glass windows. Christmas music softly playing adds to the “awe” factor. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served.
The First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara celebrated our 150th year in 2017. We are located at the corner of Garden and Anapamu Streets, one block from the SB Courthouse. Onsite parking is available with the parking entrance off Garden Street. For more information call (805) 963-3579 or visit us at our website http://www.fumcsb.org or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FirstUMCSantaBarbara