Aurora church to host live nativity, fair trade marketplace

The spirit of Christmas will be alive at Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora when the church hosts its annual outdoor Live Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 17.

It begins at 6 p.m. at the church, 3000 Liberty St. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.

Faith's production features a large cast, choir, live animals and scenery to provide a memorable Christmas event for the entire family.

The journey will take visitors back in time to the birth of our Savior.

Shepherds peacefully tend to their flocks, while Mary and Joseph look after the child in the manger.

Wise men will come from the East bearing gifts as angels watch over the scene.

As the story is told, visitors will be invited to join with the choir in singing traditional carols.

After the performance, visitors may sample hot chocolate and cookies, enjoy the petting zoo and take nativity scene pictures. For details, visit discoveringfaith.com.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, the church will host a fair trade marketplace featuring handcrafted products from artisans around the world.

Admission is free.

Purchases help impoverished artisans to operate a business and provide for their families.

The sale is sponsored by Heavenly Treasures, a Glendora, Calif.,-based micro enterprise network. Fighting poverty in 17 countries around the world, the nonprofit seeks to help people find hope and self sufficiency through handicraft projects.

Visit heavenlytreasures.org to learn more.