Fireworks explode through the air, women dressed as angels “fly” to herald Jesus’ birth and camels make their way to the nativity scene with the three kings.

At the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale’s $1.3 million Christmas Pageant _ more Broadway extravaganza than local production _ hundreds of men, women and children dressed as ancient residents of Jerusalem dance, skip and sing their way into the aisles. There is simulated snow, a horse-pulled sleigh, a kickline of dancers and a jazzed-up version of “Joy To The World.”

It’s a far cry from the modest bed-sheeted wise men of yore. With technology playing increasingly prominent role in churches, many communities of faith are using high-tech flourishes to tell the humble Christmas story.

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