St. Paul Lutheran to light up Agoura

ERIKA OWENS/Special to The Acorn DAZZLING—Congregants prepare one of the panels that will be part of the inaugural St. Paul Lutheran Church Light of the World Christmas display. The dark winter sky will burn 30,000 lights brighter in Agoura Hills this holiday season. Music will fill the air, and then all is hushed as the narrator unfolds the story of Christmas. Lighted scenes will turn on and off as he speaks, stars twinkle and three gleaming wise men make their way to Bethlehem.

This year, St. Paul Lutheran Church will present the inaugural Light of the World Christmas light display. The traditional, Biblical story of the birth of Jesus is recreated through computercontrolled scenes customdesigned for St. Paul by Bob and Barbara Hougardy.

Wise men, camels, Mary, Joseph and the star of the show, baby Jesus, will light up the night as guests hear voices re-creating the Annunciation, Jesus' birth and the journey of the Magi.

In other scenes guests will see the modern aspects of the season, trees, a wreath and gifts flash on and off as contemporary interpretations of holiday music bring a powerful ending to the 17-minute show.

The idea for the show came from church member Tony Zank who wanted a place where the community could get together in peace.

"People nowadays have so much stress in their lives with work, family, school, sports, everything" said Zank. "People in those situations have a tendency to isolate, and St. Paul would like to combat that. People can come together here and enjoy the season without putting out any money."

Guests may walk through or drive through the show, which runs nightly through Dec. 25 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the church parking lot at 30600 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills.

A special community gathering night will be held on Sun., Dec. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.

Christmas Eve candlelight services will be at 5 and 7 p.m. at the church. Christmas Day service is at 10 a.m.

For more information, call (818) 889-1620 or visit www.stpaulagoura.com.