Experience Global Nativity: A World Tour Right from Maricopa

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Maricopa transformed into a vibrant cultural heritage museum last night, showcasing an impressive collection of handmade nativity scenes from various countries, including Mexico, South Africa, and Cambodia. For three hours, attendees explored the artistry and narratives behind each piece.

According to Jennifer Ford, who served as a guide, the exhibit featured creations from numerous countries. “It’s difficult to pinpoint how many places this year’s nativities represent,” she remarked. This annual tradition, now in its tenth year, aims to celebrate the rich diversity of artistry and spirituality, though it was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This year’s exhibition is the largest to date, with church members sharing nativities collected during their missions and travels. Dani Yardley, who assisted with the arrangements, noted the significance of the event: “For us, it means a focus on our Savior.”

The global nativity tradition in Maricopa serves to foster connections among local churches, as Ford explained. “It started to create a relationship with other congregations.” Next door, Rusty Akers, pastor of the Community of Hope Church, set up a live nativity, also part of this collaborative initiative. “Our goal is to involve more churches in the coming years,” he shared.

Enthusiasm filled the church as observers engaged with the nativities. A cellist provided musical accompaniment to choirs composed of members from various local churches. The displays, illuminated by twinkling lights, included areas designed for children, allowing them to interact with non-breakable nativity sets.

Ford highlighted personal contributions to the exhibit, including a nativity from Chiapas, Mexico, brought by her son, and a puppet nativity crafted by fellow church member Jen Adkinson. Cynthia Horst shared the stories behind nativities she collected from her travels. One cherished piece, carved from olive wood, was a gift from her mother-in-law’s trip to Israel.

Each nativity told a unique story, as Brenda Holmes observed. “Every nativity has its own story,” she noted. “They have been loved by many different people.” The rich tapestry of culture and community spirit shone brightly at this year’s exhibition, uniting attendees in celebration of shared faith and creativity.