Julie Druker | Dec 16, 2015


Kris Caird and Jean Freeman, both members of the congregation of the Cole Lake Free Methodist church located on White Lake Road near Godfrey are the long time organizers of the annual 101 Nativities show there. The two ladies used to think that their initial goal of collecting and displaying 101 nativity scenes was ambitious but that is no longer the case. Now in its 5th year, the number of scenes in the annual show has grown to over 200 and Caird explained that people at first did not understand the concept of lending their nativities to the show but over the years that has changed. “People now understand what we are doing and want to be part of it and this year we have over 200 scenes which shows that people not only understand what we are doing but also really want to be part of it” . This years show includes nativity scenes from all over the world with entries from countries like Uganda, Ecuador, Haiti, Ghana, China, Ireland, Bangladesh, Germany and more. The scenes are made from a number of materials including ceramic, fabric, wood, various plastics, burlap and more but all strive in their own unique way to show the true meaning of Christmas. One new and notable scene that hails from Ireland is very simple yet effective scene and is made entirely from flat river stones. Caird and Freeman said the central idea for the show is to bring forth the true meaning of Christmas.

“We want to stress the true biblical meaning of Christmas. These days Christmas has become more about consumerism and about Santa Claus and gift giving but we want to get back to its true meaning ,which is the birth of Jesus”, Jean said when I spoke to her at the show on Saturday.” Kris who made crafts with the youngsters who attended the show over its three day run this past weekend agreed. “A lot of the kids who come have no idea what the nativity is and the crafts that I do with them help them to better understand it.” The children were invited to paint and then bake a shrink art nativity scene and were also given a gift bag filled with Christmas themed cookies. Guests also enjoyed a selection sweet treats and beverages courtesy of the organizers. Hundreds of people return year after year to see the annual show that strives to stress the true meaning of Christmas.

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