The holiday season is fully upon us. It is important to remember to focus on the Savior and his birth during this time of year. My stake has a wonderful activity that you may want to consider doing in your ward or stake. Every year during the first weekend of December the stake puts on a Crèche (Nativity) display. The event is open to the public and takes quite a bit of work. It is a wonderful outreach tool, and you can really feel the spirit as you are there.
The stake has a committee in charge of the Crèche display. They coordinate everything. Each year the stake asks members of the stake to lend their nativity sets to the stake for the week. The collection has grown each year. Volunteers set up and arrange the nativity sets in the gym. Volunteers are also needed to baby sit the nativity sets. Each year men stay at the building over night to protect the nativity sets. Greeters are also needed to answer any questions, and to make sure that small children do not touch.
In addition to the display the stake arranges for choirs to perform during the exhibit. This year the invitation has been extended to other church and community choirs to perform as well. In addition there is a room set up that includes pictures of the Savior. There is a children’s playroom available. The children can dress up in the costumes of the nativity. They can also color a picture of the nativity. Sturdy nativity sets are available for the children to handle.
This is a wonderful activity. I have heard people in the community speak about the event, when they did not know I was a member of the church. It really helps to bring the focus back to the true meaning of Christmas. It was something you may consider doing in your stake. The volunteers do work hard, but the results are truly spiritual.
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