Live Nativities: Weekend Photos, Where To See Them Next

The story of the nativity, whether through a collection of figurines arranged on a mantel or a flock of church members in a makeshift manger on a church lawn, is a traditional symbol of the reason for celebrating Christmas. In the metro area, the live depiction also a traditional stop on the Christmas season to-do list for many people.

First Church of God, located at 4201 E. Douglas Ave., held its annual live nativity Saturday and Sunday, with volunteers depicting Mary and Joseph, shepherds, the magi and an angel.

A stream of cars drove by and watched the church's interpretation of the birth of Jesus, and some people braved the cold for a closer look.

If you missed the many live nativities held do far this month throughout the metro area, here are two others planned this weekend:

• Grimes United Methodist Church, 801 W. First St., will depict the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in "One Starry Night," its tour of Bethlehem. Visit the tax collector, hear from the shepherds, see the wise men visit King Herod, and see the nativity. Crafts, snacks and a marketplace will complete the experience from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. and tours begin every 10 to 15 minutes, with the final tour at 8:30 p.m.
• Capitol City Baptist Church, 5990 N.E. 14th St., between Des Moines and Ankeny, will hold a drive-through nativity where visitors can see live animals along with the manger scene — plus Buddy the Elf Minions, the Grinch, Frosty, Anna and Elsa, Rudolph, Santa and more. OK, so they aren't part of the birth story, but it makes a fun addition to the holiday season. The nativity will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16.