Good Tidings of Great Joy

Tonight the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury takes the form of both a barn and a community center. The animals will not be, well, real animals, but rather small children performing the annual Christmas Eve pageant. There will be donkeys, cattle, sheep and of course shepherds, wisemen, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. The kids are members of the West Tisbury Congregational Church which each year creates this tableau for the community.

The show begins at 5 p.m. with carolers welcoming everyone to the hall. In addition to the pageant, there will be a children’s choir and candlelight carols for all.

The event, which lasts about an hour, is hosted by the Rev. Cathlin Baker of the West Tisbury Congregational Church, but it is open to everyone. Last year more than 500 people attended.

There is no required donation but a collection plate will be passed. Any money raised will go to Island charities and the minister’s discretionary fund which aids members of the community requiring emergency assistance.

For more details, call 508-693-2842 or visit wtcongregationalchurch.org.

At 10 p.m. there will be a service of lessons and carols at the church on State Road in West Tisbury.