All Saints Parish, Millville will once again host their “Follow the Star” experience this Advent season, featuring 500 Nativity scenes of all backgrounds, shapes, sizes, and ages the weekend of Dec. 14 and 15.
“Everyone who comes, will marvel at all the creative ways in which the Incarnation of God is put into artistic form,” promised Father Peter Idler, parish pastor.
First begun last year, “this event brings out the child in everyone,” as these displays commemorate “not just God made man, but God choosing to come to us a baby, and making himself vulnerable,” added Father Idler.
The free and family-friendly showcase will feature 500 Nativity sets from all over the world, with representations of the Holy Family, as well as shepherds, wise men, angels, and animals present in Bethlehem for the birth of Our Savior, Father Idler continued.
The scenes have been made possible due to the parish’s own growing collection, or generous donations from parishioners and faithful.
New offerings for this year, he said, include a Swedish brass candle nativity; a 10-peace Neapolitan set made from terra cotta; and a display featuring characters from the classic “Peanuts” comic strip.
Created in such places as Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the hundreds of displays, in varied forms and sizes, are made from materials such as glass, ceramic, plastic, metal and wood, evidence of “all creation recognizing the word made flesh, and the glory of God,” Father Idler said.
Attendees will also be able to learn the history of the Nativity display, courtesy of Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by his trips to the Holy Land in the 13th century, Saint Francis created a live nativity in 1223 in a cave in Greccio, Italy. Attracting the local community, it is said that a miracle took place when the newborn Jesus appeared in the display.
Taking place on the weekend of “Gaudete Sunday,” as well, the experience is a good time for all to reflect on the season’s Gospel readings, “as we make that switch in our minds liturgically, from the second coming of Christ, to the baby born in Bethlehem,” Father Idler said.
He hopes that those of all ages, and all backgrounds, will come and find the true spirit and meaning of Christmas at “Follow the Star.”
“For believers, I hope it deepens their love of God, who became human for love of us. For non-believers, I hope it opens their hearts and minds to how God really, truly loves us,” he said.
“Follow the Star” will take place at All Saints Parish Hall, 621 Dock Street, Millville on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12- 8 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.allsaintsnj.org, or call 856-825-0021.
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