Edmonton - For Castledowns Salvation Army Church, the birth this week of Brooklyn Lorraine Hubble brought a sigh of relief to an anxious congregation. Brooklyn will play the baby Jesus in "Back to Bethlehem", a live nativity pageant the congregation is presenting on Dec. 22.

The story of Christ's birth, about 10 minutes from start to finish, will be staged several times from 6 to 9 p.m. It will happen behind the church building.

Corps officer/pastor Cpt Rob Kerr wrote the script and directs the play. Beside Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the presentation will include the innkeeper, a choir of angels, shepherds, the wise men, Roman Soldiers and live animals on loan from a local petting zoo.

When they've completed their journey, visitors can warm up in the church gym with hot chocolate, hot apple cider and home-made cookies.