The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11, will host its second annual drive-through live Nativity display and food drive in the parking lot of its chapel on the corner of Great Falls Street and Kirby Road in Falls Church.
The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., and includes a manger scene and Bethlehem scenery, with shepherds, angels and Wise Men scattered throughout various areas of the parking lot, with more than 20,000 Christmas lights. Displays will also include live llamas, sheep, goats, donkeys, miniature horses, chickens and rabbits.
A podcast will provide narration of the Christmas story (in English and Spanish) and seasonal music for those attending.
The event will include a food drive to benefit SHARE of McLean, as well as the Komak Foundation, which serves Afghan refugees in this area.
“Last year, we were so gratified at the generosity of our community, which donated enough food to last for two months at SHARE,” said Christy Lucia of McLean, president of the women’s Relief Society for McLean Stake, a group of eight congregations in the McLean/Falls Church/Arlington area. “We hope to see even more generosity this year.”
Organizers estimate that over 1,000 cars drove through during the two nights last year. Based on that response, the event has been extended by an additional hour each night this year.
“The message of Christmas, and of the other holidays celebrated by numerous faith groups at this time of year, is a joyous and hopeful one,” said Jim Stansel of Arlington, president of the McLean Stake. “We look forward to celebrating that joyous and hopeful spirit with our community neighbors of all ages again this year.”
Information about the activity can be found at www.mcleannativity.org. Christmas information and service suggestions can be found at www.comeuntochrist.org and www.justserve.org.