As Christmas lights are switched on across Adelaide, one group of decorations in the north-eastern suburbs has gained particular attention.
A group of tall angel and shepherd statues have been installed along Perseverance Road in Tea Tree Gully by the local Anglican church.
The statues were put up on Sunday and have drawn plenty of attention online after a community member posted a picture in the local community group.
While some commenters likened them to Halloween decorations, others have been supportive.
"They actually look quite pretty in the dark. I think it’s sweet ... I believe the kids help to make them ... bless," one poster wrote.
Another commenter said it was a "lovely idea just poorly executed".
Tea Tree Gully Anglican Church Pastor Rick Maude said he was "fascinated" with the online response to the decorations.
"It's really got the community talking," he said.
Pastor Maude said while not everyone appreciated Christian-themed decorations, "generally the community have liked it".
"I guess as long as they're talking about it in a healthy way, you don't have to agree with what a church believes," he said.
He said some of the comments, including an online satirical article posted about the decorations, were in good fun.
"People just have a good sense of humour and I like that," he said.
Pastor Maude said the church has been creating annual Christmas and Easter displays in the community for about 10 years, and the decorations were made by a group of parishioners.
"It really came from people who are wanting to do something in the community for the community at Christmas and Easter and they had the gifts and skills in creativity and artwork," he said.
The statues have been placed down the road, including outside some houses.
Pastor Maude said the decorations were only displayed outside homes with the owner's permission, and said the church was approached by residents eager to be involved.
"It's a good community thing," he said.
Pastor Maude said the statues were made some time ago and have been displayed in previous years — but they also occasionally get into strife.
One year, the statues were taken and moved to a pedestrian crossing on busy North East Road, making it appear like tall figures were patiently waiting at the lights.
"The funniest story without a doubt, one [midnight] Christmas Eve service … there was a bloke actually having a full on conversation with the ones outside the church," Pastor Maude said.
"So he'd obviously drunk far too much."
