Spiritual scenes

About 400 Nativity scenes, some carved into walnuts, arranged into stained glass windows or even made from coconuts, will be on display at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through this weekend.

Many of the scenes, donated by church members for the annual event, hail from all across the world. One is etched into a leaf from the Amazon rain forest, while another is made of African statues. A number come from Mexico and South America, while others are carved into wood from the Middle East.

One church member overcame her stroke by making a Nativity from clay, while a group of Spanish-speaking church members set up a table with Spanish-influenced scenes.

“New people are coming in every year to set up the event,” said co-organizer Nancy Stienicki. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

The open house, at 2107 Santa Barbara St., will include local choirs and musical groups from 7–8 p.m., Dec. 5-7. It’s open from 1 – 9 p.m. Dec. 4 – 7. Admission is free. — N.S.W.