Church To Hold Live Nativity Scene In Wauwatosa

WAUWATOSA, WI — Get into the holiday spirit with a live Nativity scene in the heart of Wauwatosa. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 12012 W. North Ave.

The event has been held for more than five years but was canceled in 2020 because of rain.

"It was started and continued as a fun way to get the congregation together and welcome in our neighbors for some Christmas cheer," Katie Frederick, planner of the event, said.

In previous years, the church had soup and baked goods in the church, along with skits and singing. Because of the pandemic, the event will be held outdoors, but there will be hot chocolate available, Frederick said.

A Nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus.

The Nativity scene actors are volunteers from the congregation.

"Angels and shepherds are typically the elementary Sunday school children. Wise men are from youth group or members of the congregation, as well as Mary and Joseph," Frederick said.

The church has been fortunate enough to have infants as baby Jesus, although this year a doll stand- in will be used.

Animals on site are from Gee Funny Farm, a traveling educational animal farm and petting zoo.

Frederick said the community response has been great.

"We have met a lot of neighbors and many who stop just because they saw us outside. There are apartments to the west of the church, and their community loves to come visit during the Nativity," she said.