ART EXHIBIT: The 19th Annual Madonna and...

ART EXHIBIT: The 19th Annual Madonna and Creche Art Festival featuring art depicting Mary and the Christ child will open today in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Glendale. Several different types of media will be represented, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, woodcarvings and needlework. The church is located at 134 N. Kenwood St., Glendale. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today; 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free. (818) 243-2105.

2,000 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS: “The Guiding Light” actor Robert Newman will return to his home church in Porter Ranch to star in a Broadway-style musical called “A Time For Christmas” tonight and Sunday. Directed by Erika Andrews, the show offers a memorable tour through 2,000 years of Christmas. Performances will be 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St. Admission is free. Reservations: (818) 831-9333.

LIVING NATIVITY: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church will present a living nativity with hourly performances from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Other free activities will include carolers, a petting zoo, children’s crafts, door prizes and refreshments. Canned food donations to benefit the needy are welcomed. The church is located at 8520 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park. (818) 341-3460.

RUSSIAN MUSIC: A program on “Our Russian Heritage”--featuring the works of Gnessin, Shamo, Ficher, Fitelberg, Milner and other Russian composers--will be presented Sunday by the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets are $36 for reserved seats, $18 for general admission and $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets: (818) 753-6681.

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS: Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s annual Christmas concert, featuring choirs, musical groups, an orchestra and a living nativity production is planned for 7:30 tonight at 6020 Radford Ave., North Hollywood. Admission is free, however a freewill offering will be taken. (818) 761-6124.

JOSEPH’S COAT: The musical “Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed during Shabbat services at 8 p.m. Friday at Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Cantor Caren Glasser and the KT Chorale will participate, directed by Tova Morcos. (818) 348-0670.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The choir of the Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society will present its holiday concert featuring both secular and sacred songs at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. For the children, special guest storyteller Alecia Gregner Steiner will present “The Fairy’s Gift.” Admission is free. (818) 894-9251.

MUSICAL, LUNCHEON: Women Crowned in Glory will present an original holiday musical Sunday to benefit Jahad’s Home, a Christian shelter for abused and neglected women. The program will include a luncheon beginning at 1 p.m. at the Sportsmen’s Lodge, 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Cost is $20 per person. Reservations: (818) 982-4498.

LUNCH AND LEARN: Temple Ramat Zion will hold a “Lunch and Learn” discussion with Rabbi Steven Tucker on the topic, “The Story of Joseph: A Family Reunion That People Actually Enjoyed,” following 9 a.m. Shabbat services Dec. 21. Admission is free and reservations are not required. The synagogue is located at 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. (818) 360-1881.