It was when she was a college junior studying in France for a semester abroad program that Sydne Yanko-Jongbloed first saw Santons, the handmade terracotta nativity figures that depict everyday life in a traditional Provencal village. Intrigued and delighted with the details and the colors of the small figures, she purchased a set to take
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Friends of the Creche: A Group of Nativity Scene Enthusiasts
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Saint Francis and the Origin of the Creche
If a nativity scene is an important part of your family’s Christmas, you already are familiar with this lovely and meaningful way to honor the birth of Christ. You may not know, however, that Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the crèche back in the 13th century. St. Francis of Assisi (c 1182-1226)
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Old Wagon Creatively Reimagined As Nativity Display
Nativity Stories profiles some of the most inspiring celebrations of faith by Outdoor Nativity Store customers across America and around the world. When it was time for Christmas gift giving a few years ago, Debbie Mays told her elderly father that he did not need to worry about shopping for her. She told him she had her eye
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A Small Town’s Inspiring Response to Manger Scene Legal Challenge
The manger scene displayed for more than four decades in Burlington North Park in Wadena, Minnesota, was not particularly unique. Joseph and Mary wore traditional colored robes, and baby Jesus rested in the crib. An angel watched over the scene singing praise for the birth of the Savior. The townspeople expected to see the manger
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What the Supreme Court Says About Outdoor Nativity Scenes
Like clockwork each winter, the debate over the display of outdoor nativity scenes on public property begins. On the news you may here about lawsuits by atheist organizations and civil liberty groups, and, sadly, even vandalism of manger scenes. It can feel like everyone wants to stop your community from presenting a crèche at the
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7 Tips for Planning a Successful Live Nativity Scene
Did you know that The Radiant Foundation in Provo, Utah holds the Guinness World Record for the most figures in a live nativity scene? In December 2014, the organization’s nativity scene boasted 1,039 participants, including Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, wise men, a camel, donkey, a few sheep, and literally hundreds of angels. While that event
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