The Christmas season is known for its fast pace, last-minute scurrying, good food, and time with family—and the same is true for our schools, churches, and ministries.
Faithful efforts continue to reach communities, offering opportunities to connect with neighbors. And it’s not all outreach—there’s plenty of in-reach too. Offices trade gifts, share potlucks, and school rooms buzz with anticipation and seasonal crafting.
The Santa Rosa Church once again hosted its walk-through nativity, delighting visitors with live scenes performed by members, young and old. Pastor Brad Geinger shared, “The Live Nativity is a special part of many community members’ holiday traditions. Over 25 years, it has become something we are known for in Santa Rosa. Perhaps most essential are the nearly 100 volunteers of all ages who participate. This same Live Nativity was my first church volunteer experience, and today it remains the starting point for many engaging in the Lord’s work.”
The Carmichael Church recently hosted A Night in Bethlehem, an interactive walk-through nativity with live animals. Children guided their families from scene to scene, petting animals and joining in songs. Associate Pastor Melissa Howell shared, “This gave Carmichael Church a chance to open our doors to the surrounding community and share the story of Jesus’ birth in a fresh way. Many attendees were visiting the church for the first time and some expressed interest in joining the congregation, while others said they wanted their children to be part of a faith community and asked to participate in future events.”
In Placerville, over six nights, a diverse mix of people—from the East Coast to just down the street—came to connect, celebrate God, and experience a living picture of hope. Church members united, engaging their circles of influence and offering hundreds of volunteer hours, from construction to conversations and prayer. In the barn, at the feet of baby Jesus, tears were shed, and hearts were moved. Long after the lights faded, lives continued to be touched. For three hours each of the six nights, the church family came together to present Jesus to the community. As Andrew Uyeyama, Pastor, shared, “The camaraderie was incredible—we truly became a church family, and God interrupted many lives with light and hope.”
All over our territory, this same theme runs through program after program: Bringing Christ to Christmas. Our Churches, schools, ministries, and members, young and old, share the gift of our spiritual community with neighbors, inviting them to connect with the story of Christmas in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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