Lombard church celebrates Advent with Living Nativity

Live farm animals, carolers and the sound of handbells made for a festive Friday night at Community Presbyterian Church in Lombard.

Outside, a mock stable was set up, complete with hay bales, a manger and churchgoers dressed as Mary, Joseph and Jesus. After taking some time to observe the live Nativity scene, attendees were welcomed inside to enjoy refreshments and music.

"We are in the season of Advent and this is all the time leading up to the birth (of Jesus)," said Melody Mathieu, administrative assistant at the church.

"We just wanted to put people in the right perspective as to why the season really is. We just want to spread that word."

Mathieu said this marked the second year the church hosted the "joyful event." More than 150 people attended.