Here in Lubbock, our local church congregations have begun putting on a multi-day nativity event at the beginning of December to help kick off the season. It is called O Holy Night (website
here). There is a large display of miniature nativities (both traditional and multinational), paintings, Christmas decorations, activities for the kids, a live nativity outside (those poor people - it's 34 degrees and misting out), live ambient music, and a choir performance every night. The choir was phenomenal.
Our church choir sings every night and they are extremely talented. What really struck me, however, was that we were able to host a Baptist choir yesterday, and the Madrigal chorus group from the local Coronado High School tonight. Those kids had some serious talent. I am not easily impressed as far as choirs go, but the performance tonight by both the High Schoolers and our church choir were exceptionally powerful.
As we toured the rooms housing the nativities, I took some pictures of a couple of the ones that impressed Sarah and I. The international ones in particular were exquisite and all have a theme particular to that region of the world. Enjoy!
This one is from Germany. I find it interesting that every decoration of this type (not limited to nativity scenes) from Germany in particular that I have ever seen has some form of moving part. Many have some form of turning wheel like what you see at the top.
The above scene is from Peru. As you would expect from a region in South American and one that is predominately Hispanic, bright color is everywhere (as with most of their art and architecture). I am not sure what the hats are for, but the scene at the top is very typical of the art style of the area. There were several of these at the display - this one was just the brightest and most detailed.
Inside the main exhibit, what immediately caught Sarah's eye was a table full of snow globes with pastoral scenes. The photo does not really do it justice. Some of them were absolutely breathtaking.
They had an area for the kids to make their own nativity ornament with peel-and-stick foam stickers. You can see Meagan and Jacob above making theirs which now reside on our "tree" (you have to see the tree to understand the
"quotes" - there ARE downsides to living in an apartment).
Lastly, there was an area set up for "live" nativity pictures. Shown above (left to right) are Jacob, the Sheep; Meagan, the Angel (we'll let you decide for yourselves if the costume "fits"); Sarah, as Mary; and Josh, as Joseph.
The turnout was exceptional. the chapel and half of the gymnasium were packed with chairs. People were standing in the back and in the halls listening to the concert. Based on what I've heard, yesterday was at least as well-attended and I anticipate that tomorrow will do well also. Tis the season...
Josh
