As the holiday season continues, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to reflect on the meaning of Christmas in a tradition that started in 1990.

A Living Nativity will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night at the church, 305 E. Anapamu St. The event is free to attend.

Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, the distinctive display features live animals, including camels, sheep, donkeys and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.

“This annual gift to our community provides a peaceful respite from the ‘busyness’ of the holiday season, and invites visitors to reflect on the ‘why’,” said senior Pastor Robb Fuesler.

The Living Nativity transforms a simple grassy area into a humble wooden stable that brings the biblical account to life, the church said.

Visitors are also invited inside the church’s historic 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival sanctuary, adorned with seasonal decorations, including a collection of crèches from around the world.

Docents will be available to share information about the historic building and its notable stained-glass windows. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served.

For more information, visit www.fumcsb.org.