Come and Behold Him - A Festival of Nativities

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne will host Come and Behold Him – A Festival of Nativities to usher in the Christmas season.  This special exhibit features Nativity displays in a variety of mediums, representing religions and traditions from countries all over the world.  It is an honor for St. Paul’s to host this celebration for the community.  It is St. Paul’s hope that people of all faiths and beliefs will visit and enjoy the craftsmanship and collections people have created.  

The exhibit will be held in St. Paul’s Life Center located at 28788 North Main Street in Daphne.  This special Christmas season tradition will open to the community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14.  On Sunday, December 15, the exhibit will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.  No admission will be charged and refreshments will be available.  For more information or to schedule group/school tours, please contact rocksc@bellsouth.net.  

Defined as “model or tableau representing the birth of Jesus Christ”, the custom of Nativity or crèche showcasing began in the year 1223.  St. Francis of Assisi is widely recognized as the catalyst for this tradition, as he is said to have been inspired by the sight of shepherds in the fields of the Italian village Grecio one moonlit night while traveling.  He encouraged those in his community to reenact the Nativity, and the tradition spread to France, Germany and from Europe to other continents.

The Come and Behold Him – A Festival of Nativities exhibit features a vast assortment of nativity scenes.  These handcrafted masterpieces have been designed and constructed with mediums such as clay, glass, hay, paper, porcelain, and wood, as well as more exotic material like abalone shells, alabaster, balsa wood, and bamboo.  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church extends an invitation for all visitors to see a vast array of Nativities glorifying the birth of Jesus.  Please join us!  

Event contact: Roxanna Carpenter | rocksc@bellsouth.net