Posted on: 17th December 2024

A unique christmas display is reminding shoppers in Armley, West Leeds about the real reason for the season.

Beuatifully knitted characters from the Christmas story are being put on daily display for viewing by passing pedestrians.

The Nativity Display Table is adjacent to the front doors of the Leeds City Mission (LCM) Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane,  Armley, West Leeds. 

While many shopping areas throughout the land have enormous publicity about their seasonal bargains, there is often  a total absence of anything to do with the actual christmas story.  LCM staff and volunteers decided to take action to redress the balance and have provided a nativity display for the public. 

Shepherds, sheep, wise men, camels, Mary, Jpseph and the new born baby Jesus have been carefully knitted by a retired pensioner.  The display has been loaned to the City Mission for the Christmas season.  

After acquiring the display, the kitted nativitiy characters and the model Bethlehem stable from the christmas story are arranged by LCM staff and put out for public viewing every day. 

LCM Coordinator Andy Dalton said that their premises were the last public builidng at the end of the Armley shopping area.  Consequently there is a high volume of footfall as local residents pass on their way to the shops.  

He said "Christmas provides an ideal opportunity to share the truths about Jesus coming to earth for our redemption.  This little colourful Display is a simple initiative to remind people of the facts of the christmas story." 

The City Mission also display free  tracts, booklets and gospels on an adjoing table for people to take.

Andy Dalton concluded that this was a simple outreach activity that many churches in Leeds could provide in their own locality next christmas. 

The LCM Compassion Centre is located at the junction of Mistress Lane and Town Street in Armley.  The Display is on view every day until Christmas Eve. 

Leeds City Mission is one of the oldest multi-church agencies in Leeds being in continuous existence since 1837.  It runs a range of projects bringing gospel hope and practical help to people living at the margins and struggling with life.  More details on 0113 345 3118 or lcm1837@gmail.com

(picture shows LCM Coordinator Andy Dalton sitting alongside the Nativity Display Table)