Editor’s note: Today we begin our series on Christmas lights in the community. We will publish stories through the holiday season.

By Amy Miller

amiller@tnonline.com

A life-size wooden Nativity scene that stands proudly at the home of Craig and Korin Strohl has deep roots in the Summit Hill community.

It has graced the Strohls’ yard for a decade, situated on East Lehigh Street, directly across from the American Legion, but had been a favorite decoration of family friends years ago.

Craig said that the couple purchased the set from Patricia Lipar after she decided it was time to part with them years after the death of her husband, Joseph. Strohl said Patricia loved the scene “because they were her husband’s favorite.”

“Joe was such a great guy,” Strohl said. “Patsy loved when he used to put up the Nativity so we kept Joe’s memory going.”

Craig and Korin have even added angels to the collection this year as a beautiful addition to the scene.

Strohl said the couple wanted the Nativity, not only to keep a family friend’s memory alive, but also because they wanted their children, Zane, 7; Kerrigan, 4; and Kensington, 9; to know the true meaning of Christmas.

“It is not about Santa and gifts,” he said. “It is about the birth of Jesus.”