Halleluia!

My exact thoughts as the Nativity Celebration came to a close with the performing of excepts from The Messiah... "Halleluia, I made it through!" The entire family has made sacrifices as I've worked on this display all year. I'm still not sure how I was chosen to coordinate this huge display, but it was a great learning experience, as well as a spiritual one. Many people, probably well over 2000, (we didn't keep a count) of all faiths, visited the Apex Christmas Nativity Celebration over the past 3 days. As I carefully lifted these nativities out of their boxes and recreated the stable scenes, I developed a deeper love for my Savior and more admiration for Mary. I prayed that the visitors would feel of His love and peace during this busy season. As many of them talked to me and expressed their appreciation for the display, I felt a love for them as my fellow brothers and sisters.

This is the 5th year for the display at our church so it's becoming more and more known in the community. I'll head up the project for two more years. Here are the details to help me remember the whirlwind week:

We began pulling decorations out of the attic on Monday night. This is a "before" picture from Tuesday night when members show up with their trees, nativities and various other loaned items.

My committee and I (and personal assistant, Darrin) spent all of Wednesday setting up. Thursday morning was the finishing touches and cleaning time in order to open at 6pm.

I was very pleased with the transformation of an ugly gym into this tranquil lit forest. Everyone made comments that my design of the tables was the best ever and had a nice flow. The final count was 397 nativities on display. Here's a quick video tour I took as we first opened on Thursday, but nothing captures it like being there.


This set was designed and carved by an Apex resident. He donated it to his church and they have loaned it for our display several times. I was able to meet the designer as he came to the community leader luncheon that is held on Friday.


This silver set is loaned each year by the Mayor of Holly Springs, just down the road.This is one of my favorite porcelain ones... we had several Lladro sets. (All of these had posted guards.)
My addition this year was a live nativity scene. (see first picture where Darrin is posing as a wiseman) It was set up in the lobby so it was the first thing people saw when they entered. I loved watching their eyes get big as they stopped and watched. The smiles on their faces was so rewarding as it was a big project to do. I had a stable constructed in the lobby, sheep painted, fabric donated, costumes designed and sewn, actors scheduled during the busiest hours, etc.

We also have an art room, depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Members loan their art for this gallery.

A children's activity room is also a MUST because we want it to be a family event. This room is where children CAN touch unbreakables and play with puzzles, read books, color pages that are all about the nativity and Christ. There is a stable where the children can dress up and pose for pictures. It's a short video showing the room.

There are live musical performances throughout most of the open hours. Local high school choirs and orchestras, town bands and a Catholic handbell and adult choir were amongst this year's guests. The kids sang in the stake children's choir (Preston's first year was pretty cute & Haylee got to conduct a small group). The event ends with an orchestra and choir performing excerpts of Handel's Messiah, in which I sang some solos, too. If I get around to it, I'll post some videos of the family musicians.

My predecessor, Cheryl, was on my committee over the music scheduling and also assisted me when I had questions (which were MANY). She is so great and I couldn't have done it without her.

I am so grateful that my kids stayed alive while Darrin and I lived at the church. Meals were brought in and playdates scheduled to keep them entertained. Fortunately, Haylee has just become old enough to handle babysitting for several hours at a time. With movies and the Xbox, they were set. Now to get on with the holidays!