MANSFIELD — More than 1,000 nativity scenes will be on display at Southside Christian Church in Mansfield during a pair of open houses on Sunday Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. each day.
The church, located at 2055 Middle-Bellville, is displaying them for the fourth year, although last year’s display was severely limited by COVID.
“This year’s open house is just a family-friendly, informal way to see the Christmas story through thousands of unique figures and scene, from around the world and throughout the neighborhoods,” says Paul Lintern, Southside’s pastor and coordinator of the event.
“Most of the sets were rescued from garage sales and thrift stores, and represent generations of Christmas seasons spent on fireplace mantles, coffee tables and dining room hutches. Many have obviously been handled by curious children.”
More than 300 sets have been separated into individual figures, so that special displays include a room full of Mary’s, a room full of Joseph’s, and a nurse full of babies Jesus. The wise man area features as many as 1,000 men and camels all facing and bowing to the babe in the manger, Lintern noted.
“The shepherds have their own room, as do the angels, and I think that surprises the viewer with such a variety of the same person,” he said.
One room features more than 250 depictions of just Mary and Joseph with Jesus, the Holy Family. Another area features jigsaw puzzles and advent calendars, and a large herd of cattle and donkeys greet the person upon arrival.
In the fellowship is a collection of nearly 200 nativities from around the world, part of a collection by Pastor John and Doris Wanamaker of Ashland. Countries of origin are labeled on each set.
“Making nativities for sale around the world is a popular cottage industry for many in South and Central American countries,” Lintern said.
The sanctuary will contain another 250 full sets, arranged by styles — music boxes, globes, themes, and material. A children’s area will also be available for photos and crafts.
“We want the children to examine and explore the sets throughout the sanctuary; the story will speak to each in its own way,” Lintern said.
The event is free and open to the public; there are no stairs entering from the north or east sides.
Godsfield Christmas Prayer Service Dec. 14
A special Godsfield Christmas Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Southside, with opportunities to tour the building afterward as well.
The service will offer music and prayer in the arena of each of the main persons of the Christmas Story, bringing the epic to the present. Godsfield is a loosely gathered group of congregations that enjoy sharing ministry experiences with other congregations.
“Mansfield is Godsfield; that is why the signs are out around town,” Lintern says. “Of course, Lexington is Godsfield, Madison is Godsfield, Ontario is Godsfield. And, Richland is God’s Land. Come and see.”
Susan Hitchman Evans will lead music.
