By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Those looking to kick off the Christmas season with a positive message will have several chances to do so over the next few weeks, as Alabaster’s Kingwood Church is preparing to continue a longstanding tradition.

The church will hold its 27^th annual production of “The Gospel According to Scrooge” nightly from Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 at the church, which is off Industrial Road in Alabaster near its intersection with Shelby County 95. Doors will open each night at 6 p.m., and the shows will begin at 7 p.m.

The production has become highly attended over the years, as more than 1,000 visitors typically pack the church’s auditorium for each show, which is put on by a cast of more than 120 volunteers.

Shari Rettig, who is directing the production this year, said the performances strive to get attendees into the Christmas spirit while sharing a message of faith to those who otherwise may not receive it.

“The primary reason we do this is to share the gospel and to reach out to people who need to meet the same Scrooge Jesus met,” Rettig said, noting Mark Sims will play Scrooge for the 25^th straight year this year. “It’s a fun night. It has a good message for everybody.”

The church changes small portions of the show each year, so those who have seen the production in past years will notice something new this year, Rettig said.

By the time the show rolls around, the dozens of performers will have been perfecting their roles for several weeks.

“We really started getting ready in October,” said Rettig. “Everyone gets so excited about it every year. We have some people who are members of our church now because they came to Scrooge.”

The shows are free, but seating space is limited. Groups of 10 or larger can make advance reservations by calling the church’s office at 663-3933.