Around the World Christmas Creche Exhibit

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne will again host the Annual Come and Behold Crèche Exhibit at their Life Center, which is located at 28788 North Main Street, Daphne, Alabama.

Just as the first visitors to the birth place of Jesus Christ, brought their own unique gifts, members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and other community members will offer their time and talents in a myriad of ways: from offering crèche displays, organization and design, hosting, music, graphic design, data management, publicity and construction of these awe inspiring crèche displays.  Last year there were over 150 displays and in a variety of mediums, representing religions and traditions from countries all over the world.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the crèche tradition.  It is said that when he was traveling to the Italian village Grecio, he caught sight of the shepherds in moonlit fields, and it evoked images of the first Christmas.  Inspired by the midnight scene, he beckoned villagers that Christmas Eve to light the sky with their torches, bring their animals, and re-enact the Nativity.

Beginning in the 17th century, families in Naples welcomed friends and neighbors into their homes each December to share beloved crèches they had made and collected.  During succeeding centuries, the tradition spread from Italy to France and Germany, and then from Europe to other continents.

Each crèche at the Come and Behold Exhibit reflects different time periods, cultures as well as travel, family traditions and artistic skills of their owners.  Whether scenes of 19th century Italian villagers dressed in silks and jewels or contemporary African animal herders formed in clay; all of these crèche variations and more will be featured at the Come and Behold Exhibit.

There are crèches made from materials such as glass, clay, silver, porcelain, wood, hay and paper among many other mediums that are featured.  A printed program will be offered that identifies each crèche and tells its history. Echoing this tradition, St. Paul’s, Daphne invites everyone in the community to celebrate this Christmas tradition.  It is this spirit that prompted the inaugural Come and Behold Crèche Exhibit in December of 2009.

During last year’s event, St. Paul’s hosted over 700 visitors.  Also, this year, there will be special tours offered by many schools in Baldwin County. This year’s exhibit will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 7th, 8th, and 9th from 10 am to 4 pm.  The will also be a special Children’s Corner.

There is no charge for admission.