As the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season fully begins, it can be easy to get preoccupied by all the things there are to do. Shopping, decorating, preparations for family visits and extra-busy work schedules can threaten to take much of our focus. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is offering an event which invites the public to put all their worries aside for a bit to reflect on the birth of Christ.
The church welcomes the public to the 10th annual McMinnville Nativity Festival Dec. 8 - 10 at 562 Shangri La Lane in McMinnville. Miriam Crawford, who has been an organizer of the event since its inception, explains the motivation for the festival. "History tells us that St. Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity scene on Christmas Day, 1223 in Greccio, Italy. This was his attempt to place the emphasis of Christmas upon the worship of Christ rather than upon secular materialism and gift-giving. Since that time, scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ have been displayed throughout the Christian world. Various artists, using a great variety of medium, have recreated that event more than any other occasion in known history."
The festival's organizers wish to continue the mission of St. Francis in shining the spotlight of the season on Christ.
"Our group, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, works tirelessly each year in bringing to remembrance the real reason we celebrate the Christmas holiday. The intent is for attendees to come away with a sense of wonder and awe at the reason we celebrate the Christmas season," Crawford said.
Featuring hundreds of Nativity sets from around the world, Christ-centered artwork, Christmas quilts, hundreds of poinsettias and dozens of Christmas trees, the festival aims to put even the Scrooge-iest visitor into the Christmas spirit. In addition, there will be a children's room offering dress-up opportunities and kid-friendly crafts as well as live music by The Agee Family, the Silver and Gold Band, Josh and Mary Wanamaker, Mike Neal, Bryli Evans, Jenny Nafrada and more.
New additions for this year's festival will be a Bethlehem village by Fontanini of Italy. This display is not exhibited every year at the festival but is always a highlight for visitors who see it. Also on display will be the final Christmas stamp commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II before her death. A hand-painted tile from the Amalfi Coast of Italy, a hand-blown glass ornament from Venice, as well as many other interesting Nativity sets have also been added this year. Featured artists include James C. Christensen, Mark Keathley, Abraham Hunter, Eric Dowdle, Liz Lemon Swindle, Jorge Cocco Santangelo, Greg Olsen and more.
While the festival is teeming with special Nativity displays, organizers are always willing to add more. "We are happy to display any special Nativity sets or ones with a special story or artwork that anyone would be willing to loan us for the event. We will accept those items on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the church," Crawford said.
The festival is free and will be open Friday, Dec. 8 from 5 - 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 from 3 - 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1 - 6 p.m.
