Creches of the World, held at Comox Valley Presbyterian Church Nov. 29 and 30 will once again bring Nativity Scenes and Christmas music together.
The popular event, which draws up to 500 visitors each year, will feature up to 200 nativity sets which are lent by local residents. Many creches come from far corners of the world, and each set shows the birth of Jesus created from materials and a style native to its country of origin. Each set has its own story.
Reverend Jenn Geddes, pastor at the church, remembers the joy she felt as a child playing with the wooden creche the family would put out every Christmas. She admits that this may have led to a slight obsession for creating her own collection of creches as she travels the world.
鈥淎 Nativity set is the first thing I look for when in a new country,鈥� said Geddes.
At last count, there were 125 different nativities in her collection, and she鈥檚 added four new ones this year.
Last year she was the recipient of another set with special memories. For over 50 years, a hand-carved wooden set that includes two musicians appeared on the communion table at the church she attended in Hamilton, ON in her youth. When the church closed its doors, the set was offered to Geddes and will be on display this year.
Lois Lupkoski, who also collects creches, received a special set from friends who were travelling in an RV in Florida last year. At a flea market, they found a free musical and animated set called 鈥淐hristmas in Bethlehem鈥� featuring the wisemen travelling to visit the stable. They packed it up and took it back to Canada.
鈥淚 was delighted to get it even though it was not working,鈥� said Lupkoski.
She was even more delighted to locate a watchmaker who fixed it for no charge. It was one of the highlights of the Lighted Room for two days last year and it will be on display again this year.
鈥淭o me,鈥� says Geddes, 鈥渢his set represents hope, even in a broken world. The Christmas story is timeless. The many cultures represented in the display remind us that this is a story about a young, poor, refugee, family who found hope, peace, joy and love during a desperate time.鈥�
Many come not only to see the sets, but also to hear the live music that accompanies the display. The music is performed by musicians from around the Valley who volunteer their time and talents to add a beautiful atmosphere to the event. This year performers include groups such as a recorder quintet, a 16 piece flute choir, and the ukulele group Time for Ukes.
There are also individual performers such as Paul Kurucz, as well as a small group that will sing German carols, and an opportunity to sing along to favourite carols. A music schedule will be posted on the church鈥檚 website at .
A dark room with lighted sets and activities for the children are also part of the free event, which the congregation considers its Christmas gift to the Valley. The dates of the display are Nov. 28, 1:00 p.m to 3 p.m. for seniors and persons with mobility issues, followed by open visiting from 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Nov. 29, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for all.
Comox Valley Presbyterian Church is located at 725 Aspen Rd., Comox.
