N othing moves a bunch of stoic Germans like Christmas.

Best if there is snow. Forget about that in Phoenix, but there better be church.

Now in its 16th year, the annual German-language Weihnachtsgottesdienst, or Christmas Service, always draws a large crowd to Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th Street, Ahwatukee.

This year, the service will begin at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 14, preceded by carols at 4:10 p.m. A collection will be taken to support ELCA World Hunger Relief. Cookie donations for the community celebration are appreciated.

Germans head early to the church for the only German-speaking Christmas service in the Valley to browse the book market, silent auction, and craft sales.

Then they engage in a heart-warming “Krippenspiel” (children’s Nativity pageant) with carols,

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