While there are few biblical references to -40 C temperatures, the Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly strives to get everything else exactly right in their annual nativity display.
The Outdoor Living Nativity walk-through has been a tradition at the church for three years, and will take place this weekend at the church no matter the weather.
"Last year was -40 C, so anything from there and up is good. Our actors are hardy stock," said Jude Brass, one of the nativity organizers.
The actors will play out different scenes in the nativity in an area where people can walk through, with live animals in their makeshift stables and carollers setting the mood.
They tell the story each year because they feel the meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost in gift sales and long days at the mall.
"We feel that the true meaning or the real meaning of Christmas is Christ, so we like to portray that side of the Christmas story, so that's why we do it," said Pastor Ches Jacobs.
Many of the same actors who have performed in previous years are back again, and sometimes whole families take part, including Maureen Dynna, her husband and children.
"What I enjoy about the carolling is people come and stand in front of where we are and ... they sing along. No matter what role you're in for the nativity, people come with huge smiles," she said.
"I've seen people come to the scene and they're in tears, too, because they're really moved."
In total there's more than 60 actors and live animals telling the story, and people can wander through the scenes at their own pace, with hot chocolate and cookies available.
The Outdoor Living Nativity takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly, 1510 Olive Diefenbaker Dr., and runs from 7-9 p.m.
tholloway@paherald.sk.ca
