BY JESSIE SCHUT

Special to the Record

Once again, residents of the Comox Valley are invited to visit Nativity: Creches of the World, held at Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, Dec. 8 and 9.

The popular event, which has drawn up to 500 visitors in the past, will feature more than 150 nativity sets gathered from around the world. Each set shows the birth of Jesus created from materials and a style native to its country of origin.

A dark room with lighted sets, and activities for the children are also part of the free event, which the congregation considers its Christmas gift to the Valley.

It has become a tradition for many, who come not only to see the sets, but also to hear the live music that accompanies the display.

The music is performed by musicians from around the Valley who volunteer their time and talents to add a beautiful atmosphere to the event.

鈥淎t Christmas, whatever our religious background, we all love to sing,鈥� said Lynn Hodge of Time 4 Uke, a ukulele group that has been part of the event almost since its beginnings nine years ago.

The group of 10 musicians has a simple goal: to get together and make music, sharing it with anyone who wishes to listen.

鈥淭he angels sang at the first nativity, and we love adding our voices and instruments to the message of peace on earth,鈥� said Hodge. 鈥淣ativity: Creches of the World is such a great venue for that. It鈥檚 a free public event where we can invite friends and neighbours to come and listen to us; at the same time, they can enjoy looking at the many different nativities on display. We love looking at them too.鈥�

Another musician, guitarist and vocalist Paul Kurucz, loved performing for the first time last year.

鈥淭he display of Nativity scenes is amazing, something that should not be missed,鈥� said Kurucz, who is a podologist in his day job.

Kurucz has been performing for many years in senior residences, celebrations of life, and private parties, and loves it when people begin to hum and sing along.

鈥淪ometimes, people just close their eyes while singing, or they tell me that I brought a wonderful memory from the past,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hen I know I鈥檝e done my job. I plan to sing a few classic Christmas tunes, especially my mother鈥檚 favourite, O鈥� Holy Night. As well, I will be singing a Christmas tune I wrote 20 years ago. I am really excited about this year鈥檚 event!鈥�

The dates of the display are Friday Dec.8, 1-3 p.m. for seniors and persons with mobility issues, followed by open visiting from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday Dec. 9, 10 a.m. -3:30 p.m. for all. Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, which is totally wheelchair accessible, is located at 725 Aspen Rd. Comox. For more information and photos, including a schedule of the musicians, visit