They have never done this before. There was a post about this a while back. I didn't think too much of it until today. They have hired a contractor to build the nativity structure that will be going on the front lawn.

I can't help but wonder if these are going to be popping up at stake centers every where this year. They are trying to look more christian. They most likely need more income, and they have to get Mitt elected.

Who will be cutting the umbilical cord? Elohim or Joseph?

I pass two LDS chapels on my way to and from work. One had a nativity scene last year. The other is doing it this year and has a sign up about it. Seems like a ploy to mainstream.

don't know a tyrannosaur from a raptor.....raptor jesus was that you threatening that little baby?

Just kidding. No they won't.

They've been doing it at the East Lethbridge Stake Centre for years....and freezin' their righteous asses off most years...and I've taken the time to stop a take it in exactly ZERO times......

Except of course, for the fact that they are NOT normal and definitely not like the rest of us.

Funny, but around here live nativity scenes are strictly the province of the (as I've learned Mormons refer to it) "Church of the Devil." :-)

Next thing you know they'll be lighting an advent wreath and having incense....

Is this really that unusual? I don't remember any live nativities (but I was in Idaho so they would likely have ended up frozen in place until March) but I remember nativities in every other form as ubiquitous. I remember some people getting upset about angels with wings ("Real angels don't have wings!") but they all seemed to love nativities otherwise. I don't understand what is so shocking about this.

This IS unusual! And when you read other posts this week indicating that TBMs are having advent candle lighting ceremonies it really makes me think they are trying to reach out in catholic/Protestant ways. (This stuff has to have leadership buy in!) I've seen the ones with fake mannequins dressed up in Bush league rags, but these live nativity sciences REEK of serious evangelical hog wash. Since not much the church does is neato to me, this just makes me scratch my head.

Back in my mo-days or mo-daze should you prefer ('50s and 60's) the church did not do cretches any more than we were allowed to wear crosses. In the late 80's I was amazed to see one on Temple Square. In '57 our ward did have a special presentation for christmas but it was only done on MIA night (YM /YW I guess it is now).