Faith calendar

Nativity exhibit: An exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes from around the world will feature elegant to eccentric pieces as well as birth scenes sculpted in materials ranging from carved wood to volcanic ash. There will also a special exhibit of nativity scenes that highlight the differences between the birth story as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Each of these nativities is accompanied by Scriptural quotes and hymn texts. Admission is $5 and free for children under 12. Open to all. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15; 2-4 p.m. Dec. 16. The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-373-8338, epiphany.org.

Sand painting: Millions of sand grains will be laid into place by Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery during an ancient Mandala sand painting, a spiritual art form that aims to purify and heal the environment and its inhabitants. Free and open to all. The opening ceremony will begin after the 10 a.m. Dec. 16 service; the construction of the sand painting will continue 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 18-20 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 21-22. The closing ceremony with a performance, chanting and sand distribution will take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 23. Free and open to all. Hillside International Truth Center Inc., 2450 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta. 404-758-6811, hillsideinternational.org.

Cue a concert: Musicians from the Atlanta Concert Band will form a brass quintet with trumpets, horns and a tuba during service. Free and open to all. 11 a.m. Dec. 16. Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-875-7483, rspc.org.

Melody making: Experience a twist on caroling and hand bell ringing. During Carols in the Round, the performance will begin with vocalists, a piano, flugel horn, string quartet, piano and bass in the center of the room. Next, an audience in a circle will form a ring around the musicians and ring hand bells. Free and open to all. 5 p.m. Dec. 16. First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, 189 Church St., Marietta. 770-427-0293, fpcmarietta.org.

Sounds of the season: The fourth annual Christmas concert, Sing We Noel, will be open to all. Advance tickets are $10 and $15 at the door. 7 p.m. Dec. 16. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 2833 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. 404-241-7711, sttimothysdecatur.org.

Family fun day: Enjoy movies, swimming, sports, games and more during a family day. Guests may sign up in advance to participate in the Basketball Hoop-a-Thon; pledges will be used for scholarships. Free and open to all. A character breakfast will also take place and participation will be $18. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 25. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002, atlantajcc.org.