Blog #78

By Kevin V. Hunt 

THE MARICOPA ARIZONA STAKE PRESENTS AN ANNUAL NATIVITY EVENT

Reported by Kevin V. Hunt with photos taken and submitted by Lou Dene Hunt

Prepared as a historical record to be included as a part of the annual history for the Maricopa, Arizona Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – and to be forwarded to the Church Historical Department.

THE MARICOPA, ARIZONA STAKE ANNUAL “NATIVITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD” EVENT

On Saturday December 20^th, 2025, the Maricopa, Arizona Stake created and staged its annual “Nativities Around the World” event for church members and for the entire Maricopa community.  This was held at the LDS “Honeycutt Chapel” located across the street from the Maricopa High School from 5-8:00 pm that evening.   The stake also collaborated with the neighboring Community of Hope church who staged live nativity scenes throughout the evening.

The weather that evening was perfect – a typical Arizona evening – pleasantly comfortable for such an event.

The entire chapel was organized to display a multitude of nativity sets and a many other activities designed to touch the hearts of all who came – and to instill in guests a spirit of joy, wonder, and thanksgiving for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

REMEMBERING THE BIRTH OF THE BABY JESUS

Luke was one of the greatest historians of all time.  And as an eyewitness of the Lord Jesus Christ, he recorded the lines that have become immortal in his witness and testimony of Jesus and His birth as the Son of God.

In his record, Luke teaches of how the Angel Gabriel (whom we know as Noah) came to both Joseph and Mary and told them of the coming divine birth of Jesus as the literal Son of God the Father – with Mary as his mortal mother.

In Luke 2, we find recorded in simple words, Luke’s record of our Lord’s humble birth.  He writes: 

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; … and so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  (Luke 2:

Luke also recorded, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”  The shepherds experienced “the glory of the Lord” who appeared unto the shepherds and testified, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. … And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. … And the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see the thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:4, 6-8, 16)

It is the Apostle Matthew who records the appearance of glorious star and how the wisemen from the East were led by that star to the young child, Jesus and his parents (long after the shepherds and the “Holy Family” had left the manger scene).  “And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. … And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, the presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”  (Matthew 2:9-11)

ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD HAVE CREATED NATIVITY SETS SHARING WITH ALL THE SACRED BIRTH OF JESUS AND THEIR FEELINGS AND TESTIMONY OF THAT SACRED BIRTH SETTING

From these few verses, we learn of the glorious birth of Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, his step-father, Joseph, his mother, Mary, the shepherds, the star and the coming of the wisemen.  And from these verses, faithful men and women – artists from all over the world, and inspired of the Holy Ghost have worked to craft, create, and to inspire the world around them with nativity sets which have brought God’s children to an appreciation and awe of the humble birth of the Savior.  These artists have been inspired to share their own testimonies and witness of the Savior through their various art mediums and the figures of those who were eyewitnesses of Christ’s birth.  Each nativity is unique and different as the artist seeks to portray his/her view and testimony.

Above:  Unique nativity sets shown at the “Nativities Around the World” event

Through these nativities we can receive our own inspiration and appreciation of this royal baby, whom we celebrate at the center of our worship at the Christmas season, and He who would later become the Savior of mankind through his Atonement made for us.  And of course to also celebrate Jesus who also gave us the opportunity to be forgiven of sins, to be resurrected – to live again with Him and His Father after death.  It is wonderful that these nativity scenes, can and do draw us to the Savior,  reminding us of our Savior’s birth and mission.

THE ANNUAL MARICOPA, ARIZONA STAKE “NATIVITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD” EVENT

It Is in this spirit that the Maricopa, Arizona stake has for many years staged an event – a grand display of “Nativities From Around the World” to share with local church members and the community our faith, belief in and testimony of the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer.

THE BEGINNINGS OF THE ANNUAL EVENT

What has become a great annual community event had its beginnings through the inspiration of then Bishop Brian Hoffman and his wife Terrell.  Bishop Hoffman envisioned a ward event to inspire and give hope to his ward members.  For over a decade, the Hoffmans recruited various family and ward members to assist in staging the event – a display of beautiful nativity sets gathered from around the world.

Above:  Terrell and Brian Hoffman, visionaries of the Maricopa Nativity event

The Nativity event grew each year and with each passing year, it became a Christmas mainstay for local members.  And in time, the event was expanded to include the whole stake and community. 

From the beginning the Hoffmans looked for ways to expand the event to include more of the Maricopa community.  Bishop Hoffman and his team reached out to the neighboring Community of Hope Church – through Pastor Rusty Akers.  Relationships were built with Pastor Rusty and his church who also annually staged their own “living nativity” event – complete with animals and dedicated actors who portrayed nativity and birth of Jesus.

And over time, the two churches collaborated to merge their two events together into one evening in December.   And with this continued association, bonds have been built and together we have shown that we are all children of the same God and that we believe in the same Christ.

What started as a ward event has now become a grand event created under the direction of the Maricopa Stake.  And with the Maricopa Stake now taking the lead, many more people can be a part of the staging team, the promotion, the contribution of nativity sets, and the participation in the special event.

THE 2025 “NATIVITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD” EVENT

For over a decade now, the Hoffmans have been the inspiration and the work-horses to make the event happen.  Many people have rallied around them to stage the event.

Last year, Sister Danielle Yardley chaired the stake event and this year, as Stake Relief Society President, she has continued to lend inspiration, guidance, and support for the event.

Kevin and Lou Hunt, who recently returned from an 18-month mission as site guides in historic Nauvoo, became the coordinating chairs for the stake event. 

Above:  Brother Kevin Hunt and Sister Lou and – Stake Coordinators of the Nativity event

Together the Hunts planned ways to expand the planning and organizing team.  Many who assisted in the past – including the Hoffmans and many others – continued to assist with their talents and abilities.  The Hunts also expanded the circle with the addition of coordinators from each of the wards of the stake.  These coordinators were each charged with the goal of recruiting 25 nativity sets to be displayed, getting donations of at least 10 dozen cookies from ward bakers, and recruiting 10 workers to serve as hosts at the event.  These dedicated people greatly expanded the scope and capacity of resources for the event.  With their help the event received greater emphasis and many more people were given the opportunity to serve, help, and to attend the event.

THE NATIVITY EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE AND PLANNED PROGRAM FEATURES

The Hoffmans – and their entire family circle – came in force and in full support of the program.  They lent their expertise and dedicated efforts to set up the facility to adequately display the nativities in a grand way.  They guided a team of a multitude of volunteers, the Traek Malan family – and many others who assisted in the physical set-up of the Cultural Hall for the event. 

The Hoffmans also created a beautiful and inspiring “White Room” in the Relief Society Room – which featured 40 plus nativities in white or soft blue or gold colors.  The room featured a flowing “tree” of white lace and netting which extended from the ceiling down to and around the several tables that held the nativity displays.

Eric Goettl, the local seminary teacher – and a member of the Maricopa City Council assisted in bringing additional tables, easels, and other needed physical support items from various other chapels of the stake.  He continued available through the evening to assist as needed.

Above:  Lou and Kevin Hunt with Eric Goettl.  Note that Brother Goettl taught Seminary to 3 of the Hunt children 25 plus years ago in Mesa, Arizona and has taught their grandchildren in Maricopa.

Sister Yardley worked with Sisters April Hardy and Cori Carpenter to update signs and computer logos for the 2025 event.

Sister Jennifer Ford, the stake Communications Specialist, worked diligently to spread the word – the message and the vision – of the Nativity event to the community.  She posted various messages on social media, worked with local media to report the event, and worked to expand the reach of the event to other community churches and residents.

Sister Cori Carpenter, Stake Primary President, and her counselors and family members staged a beautiful children’s activity room.

Above:  Sister Cori Carpenter in the Children’s Activity Room which she helped organize

Conner Judd recruited some local policemen to quietly serve as guarding “sentinels” for the event.

Sister Lorraine Crook, the stake Music Coordinator, worked tirelessly to invite and attract various musical choirs and groups to perform. 

Above:  Sisters Bethany Angiano and Lorraine Crook – Music Performance organizers

Many of the 85 different performers came from the community beyond just members of the stake.  Sister Bethany Angiano managed the “Green Room” where performing groups and individuals gathered to prepare for their performances. 

Above:  Performers gather and prepare for their performance in the “Green Room”

New Bishop Jason Redd and his wife, Jaynan assisted with the performers also.  Young Sienna Hunt (just age 14) was the stage manager.  She recruited four other friends and together they reset the stage and microphones for each new performing group.

Above:  The stage management crew – headed by Sienna Hunt (Center) with (left to right): Ruby, Kamryn, Zach, and Tyson

Many young service missionaries came and together they performed several songs.

Above:  LDS Service Missionaries serving in and around Maricopa sing at the Nativity Event.

The full Maricopa zone of full-time missionaries came in force and provided smiles, handshakes and welcoming hearts to all of the guests who came.  Their presence and happy spirits added greatly to the feeling of the event.

Above:  Full-time missionaries from the Arizona-Tempe Mission serving in Maricopa

Eric Chambers, as yet not a member – but a future member of the Church, and his wife Shaylene organized and hosted the wonderful “cookie room” where every guest joyfully enjoyed the buffet of delectable cookies brought by members of the stake.  They created a beautiful ambiance which featured a large display banner of the Nativity scene.

Above: Eric Chambers (Left) and Shaylene (Right) hosted the cookie room for guests

Above:  Eric and Shay Chambers (and her mother and their children) hosting the cookie event

Sister Yardley, and also Fabriza Hunt and Adriana Gleason welcomed folks who brought their individual – or full collections – of nativity sets to be displayed.

Above:  Sisters Adriana Gleason and Fabriza Hunt welcome and organize incoming nativity sets

They worked with the set-up team to display the nativities on beautiful tablecloths and other draperies to create the special and sacred ambiance designed to capture the feeling and Spirit of the Lord’s birth through the displayed nativity sets.  The cultural hall was amazing as the 175 nativities “from around the world” were so beautifully displayed.

A multitude of unnamed people came to volunteer in various functions.  Many stood at various places throughout the building guiding, visiting, and welcoming the many visitors who came.

It is estimated that approximately 500 people from the stake and the community came to experience the Nativity event.

THE NATIVITY EVENT PROGRAM

At 4:00 PM, Sister Ford staged a “Meet the Press” event.    President Addison Horst, Stake President was there to greet any press who might come.  City Councilman Goettl was present.  Event coordinators, Kevin and Lou Hunt were present.

Above:  Sister Jennifer Ford, Kevin Hunt, Eric Goettl at the “Meet the Press” event

Sister Ford interviewed President Horst – and instructed him to “talk ‘Presidential’”.  Within moments, she posted this interview to social media and invited the Maricopa world to come – right then – to enjoy and experience the “Nativities from Around the World”.

Above:  Sister Jennifer Ford interviewing Stake President, Addison Horst about the stake’s Nativity event

At 5:00 PM, the Hunts stood in the chapel and welcomed all who had gathered for the event.  They introduced Sister Yardley who gave the event invocation.  President Horst then addressed the group introducing the Nativity event.  He invited all to welcome the Savior and to recognize His birth, life, mission, Atonement and resurrection as the nativities – the symbols of Christ – were experienced through the events of the evening.

Above:  Stake President Addison Horst welcomes guests to the Nativity event

THE QUIET AND BEAUTIFUL AMBIANCE OF THE NATIVITY SETTING

The Community of Hope Church (located adjacent to the “Honeycutt Chapel” – across the street from Maricopa High School) – staged continuous live nativity dramatizations through the evening.   

Above:  “Living Nativity” staged by the Community of Hope Church

A “tea light trail” was formed with white bags with small lights lined the sidewalk going from the LDS chapel over to the Community of Hope to help guide guests walking between the two churches – and many people from both congregations went back and forth to enjoy all of the program options.

Above:  Tea Light Trail guided guests from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Honeycutt chapel next door to the Community of Hope Church.

The Nativity event was staged from 5:00 PM through 8:00 PM on the evening of December 20^th and a variety of program activities continued through the evening.

Most incoming guests visited and were touched by the Spirit strongly present in the sacred “White Room”.  Guests stood in awe and felt the witness of the Spirit through the special ambiance of this room.  A random teen was heard in the hall as he expressed his feelings to those with him:  “You have to go to that white room at the end of the hall.  It is really special.”

Above:  The sacred and special “White Nativity Room”

The Children’s Activity Room proved to be very popular through the evening.  Guests –  families of all ages – came to participate in various activities.  Children could dress up in nativity costumes, color nativity pages, touch and feel “kid-friendly” nativity characters, and other activities.  A large wood nativity scene helped guests live and feel the nativity scene.

Above:  Stake Primary President Cori Carpenter (Right) with her counselor Alyssa Gehring (Center) and Alyssa’s husband, Seth, and their children – twins in dress-up costumes

The cookie room delighted guests through the evening.  Chairs and tables were set to encourage guests to stay a while and to visit while dining on the multitude of cookie delights so abundantly offered on the large cookie buffet tables.  Many young people (and many adults) were seen grabbing hands full of cookies for immediate and future enjoyment.

Above:  The “Cookie Room” in its grandeur as set up by the Chambers and Sister Hunt

Above:  Cookies were brought to the kitchen by stake members.  And (Bottom) Sister Lou Hunt takes cookies to the cookie room for the Chambers to organize

Above:  Many scenes from the “Nativities from Around the World” event held December 20, 2025 in the Maricopa, Arizona stake

The Cultural Hall was filled with the many tables and displays of the nativities.   Ropes were strung in front of the display tables to protect the donated nativity sets. There were a multitude of Christmas trees that adorned the center of the room.  A large wooden manger focused upon the Christ-child and the gifts that were brought to him.  The hall was strung with a multitude of string lights that went back and forth across the room.  Other potential lights were turned off.  The curtains were partially opened to the chapel – and the musical presentations – with a rope between them – so that the spirit of the musical performances could be enjoyed and felt as the nativities were viewed.  The music was also “piped” to the other rooms described above.

Guests could sit in the chapel to enjoy the many musical presentations.  Many people did come and sit for multiple performances.

THE SCHEDULED PROGRAM OF THE EVENING

Above:  Incoming guests could see the event schedule as they entered the chapel for the

Nativity event

A GRAND AND BEAUTIFUL EVENING

Everything and everyone came together to make a wonderful, beautiful and inspiring evening for all who came to experience the “Nativities from Around the World” event.  It was indeed, a successful, sacred and special evening.

One brother, Miguel, who came to serve as a volunteer said, “I came to serve on the security team but I ended up having a very spiritual experience.”

Many LDS church members came as well as a multitude of guests who were not of our faith.  We could see in their eyes and faces that they were – and did – feel the power and spirit of the place. 

Above:  Doug and Jennifer Brown – character actors from the Community of Hope Church “Living Nativity” came to view the LDS Nativity exhibits

There were a few “connections” (little miracles) as people visited together.    One known example was Fisher Ormond, a missionary who had returned the day before from a mission to Brazil visiting friends who are from Brazil but who are here in America visiting family.

Above:  Fisher Ormond (wearing white coat) visits and speaks Portugeus with visiting Brazilians Sergio and Antonia Marin (below far right) in their language

At the end of the evening, Rusty and Fabriza Hunt, Larissa Borgholthaus, Adriana Gleason, the full Hoffman clan and many others assisted in the process to “strike the set” and to help the multitude of nativity donors retrieve their special nativity sets. 

All of the event props were carefully stored in two different closets located at the chapel – and which are reserved for the storage of the sacred props.  The chapel and cultural hall was cleaned and all was left in good order by 10:00 PM that evening.

Through the special event, many people were able to experience with joy and gratitude – and to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Hearts were touched and inspired.

The statistics:

               About 500 people came to experience the event

               85 performers shared their talents throught evening

               About 225 nativity sets – of all kinds, origin, and artistic talent were displayed

               A multitude of people served in various ways to make the evening a success

A special event was staged to inspire people of faith – from various churches – and in community cooperation together

PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2026

Even amidst the event set-up, Bishop Hoffman and Kevin Hunt got together and on the computer, they accessed the stake calendar.  Together, and upon recommendation of Pastor Akers of the Community of Hope Church, set up the program for 2026.  The day of Saturday, December 12, 2026 (12-12-26) was selected.  The building was reserved and general program features (made available by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) were utilized to invite members to reserve the date and to plan to participate and attend.

Sister Hunt and I were happy for another opportunity to serve in the Lord’s Kingdom – and to recognize Him and Father for the divine birth of the baby Jesus – who later became our Savior and Redeemer.