Nativities on Display

In the Darling Library we celebrate the Christmas season with an annual display of a collection of Nativity Scenes. The collection started about twenty-five years ago when my husband and I bought a set in a mall in Johnson City, Tennessee. Since then I have added at least one set to my collection every year. Most of them are gifts from my husband who makes it his mission throughout the year to find a unique set for me. I especially like those that represent different cultures (many of these from WorldNativity.com.) As different people groups have embraced the story of Jesus, I love to learn how they express the nativity in their traditions.

Unpacking and displaying the collection every year seems to get me re-reading the story, searching out how it is interpreted by commentators, researching how Church traditions have shaped the ideas that westerners have grown accustomed to (i.e., three wise men at the manger), or discovering why certain ones were developed (i.e., Joseph holding a lantern.) Why is there agreement on some depictions but wide variance on others?Ask your own questions. Come by the Darling Library after Thanksgiving until January 14th to see the display!

Library Hours:

Extended Hours through December 17th
Monday – Thursday, 7:45am to 12:00am
Friday, 7:45am to 5:00pm
Saturday, 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Sunday, 2:00pm to 12:00am

Limited Hours December 18th through 22nd
Monday – Thursday 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Friday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday, closed

Closed December 23rd through January 2nd for Christmas

Intersession Hours January 3rd through 14th
Monday – Thursday 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday, closed