Collection of nativity scenes to be displayed in Lakes Region in December

The First Congregational Church of Gray United Church of Christ is inviting the public to view a display of more than 80 nativity scenes from more than 40 countries, collected over the years by the Rev. Dr. Paul Day.

The public is invited to view a collection of more than 80
Nativity scenes from more than 40 countries which will 
be displayed from 9 a.m.to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14 at
the First Congregational Church of Gray United Church
of Christ, 5 Brown St., Gray. COURTESY PHOTO 

The nativity scenes are representative of countries across the globe, some carved from native woods, others hand crafted porcelain figures, modeled from clay, made of stained glass, and even creches that were lovingly hand crocheted and one was built with Legos.

“It’s been a long time since I got my first creche,” Day said. “It seems as if I had a couple, then it sort of exploded. I looked for them when I traveled, went on mission trips, and found them in Fair Trade collections. And, of course, I received many as gifts from dear friends and family.”

There will be a special table for children where they can hear “touch me” instead of “do not touch” on some of the displays. They will also find the tiny “Nativity in a Nutshell,” nativity cookie cutters, finger puppets, the Veggie Tales crew, and the Lego nativity. Coloring sheets will also be available for them.

This outstanding collection will be set up in the church’s parish hall at 5 Brown St. in Gray, across the street from the Gray Congregational UCC Church.

Doors will open to the public to view the nativity scenes from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14. Light refreshments will be available.

Entry to the event is free; however, gifts of new socks, warm mittens and hats, or donations to the Gray Food Pantry are encouraged.

By Christian tradition, a nativity scene includes art objects relating to the birth of Jesus. It involves a manger and crib and figurines that are arranged for display. Characters from the nativity story, such as shepherds, sheep, and angels are displayed along with a donkey and an ox, the Magi kings and their camels.

The first documented living nativity scene is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223 in the Italian town of Greccio. Reportedly, Saint Francis had been inspired by a visit to the Holy Land where he toured the site where Jesus had been born.

Centuries later, nativity scenes and traditions continue around the world, and are displayed during the Christmas season.

For further details, visit the Facebook page of the First Congregational Church of Gray-United Church of Christ at https://www.facebook.com/grayfirst to learn more about the organization or call 207-657-4279 or send an email to grayfirstucc@mail.com <