Over 400 nativity scenes in various sizes, shapes, and colors from all over the world will be on display at the Community Festival of Nativities Dec. 6-8 with a culminating Christmas concert on the evening of Dec. 8.
The event is being hosted by The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1340 Thornhill Road south of Lexington.
“There is something sacred and special about all of us coming together and sharing these scenes depicting the birth of the Savior,” chair Michele Huntsman said. “I think it shows the real purpose of Christmas in an enchanting way.”
Part of that enchantment comes from seeing how people in different parts of the world interpret the birth of the Savior in their own unique styles — their own versions of Joseph, Mary, the animals, shepherds, wise men and of course, the Baby Jesus.
The highlight of the festival is a 16-piece nativity sculpture by Blacksburg artist Lawrence R. Bechtel. Some of the pieces include a 14½-inch angel, the prophet Isaiah, the innkeeper’s wife and Joseph raising his arm to heaven in gratitude for the heavenly birth. “I needed to be sure I could bring something fresh to this work,” Bechtel said. “I wanted to take these figures, these icons, and let them live again as people like us.”
“A key part of the festival is involving the community,” said Huntsman, “so we are encouraging everyone in the area to contribute their own nativity sets for the event.”
If you would like to showcase your nativity, contact Huntsman at [email protected] or Sherri Wheeler [email protected] for more information. Strict security measures will protect all nativity displays.
The nativity exhibit will be open for viewing Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, from 2 to 8 p.m.
The community Christmas concert will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the church.
For more information, visit the Facebook page at facebook. com/Lexington.Nativity or send an email to Community. [email protected].
