Festival of Nativities returns to Daphne after two-year hiatus

Staff Report
Posted 12/2/22

Over 100 nativity sets from around the world will be on display once again as the Festival of Nativities returns to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.The event was canceled the last two years due to the …

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Festival of Nativities returns to Daphne after two-year hiatus

Posted

Over 100 nativity sets from around the world will be on display once again as the Festival of Nativities returns to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

The event was canceled the last two years due to the COVID – 19 pandemic. "Come and Behold Him" A Festival of Nativities returns Dec. 2 – 4 to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne.

"A lot of work goes into this event, and I was worried no one would be interested in helping after the disruption from Covid-19," said Rebecca Dyson, committee chairperson. "I started talking to church members and was happy that so many people were willing to put this together. We consider this as our church's Christmas gift to the community, and we are so pleased to bring it back.

"This event is St. Paul's Episcopal Church's invitation to the community to look at the birth of Christ through many different perspectives," Dyson said. "There are so many different artistic interpretations of the birth of Christ. We will have ornate nativity sets from Europe along with simple, handmade designs from our community. It is always such a joy to see the displays. I hope those who attend will be touched by one or more of these beautiful creations."

This event is modeled after the "Cathedral Creche Exhibit" from the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Dyson had the idea to bring a similar event to Daphne after meeting Mildred Hanson from Gulf Shores who created a nativity from driftwood that is part of the permanent collection at the National Cathedral. St. Paul's has displayed one of Hanson's driftwood nativity sets in past events.

"Come and Behold Him" will be in the St. Paul's Life Center at 28788 N. Main St., in Daphne. Doors will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free.