674 Celebrating with Baby Jesus in many shapes and sizes and nationalities

The list of nativities and creches ran to over 20 pages as we toured yesterday the 19th century home of Donna and David, friends of ours from church. Providing four viewing times on three days near Christmas, they helped us enjoy their wonderful collection with personal reflections on the history, collectibility, value and meaning of each piece and set. They ranged from 19th century Russian paintings to carved wood from the Philippines, metal from India, ceramic from Peru, and porcelain from Hallmark. From kitschy-tourist trinkets to handmade by their children, to valuable sets by known contemporary designers and craftspeople, each piece is loved and receives pride of place in windows, walls, chimney columns, corner cupboards, tables, buffets, refrigerator, and doorways. Some of the most loved and precious were those played with or selected by their daughter who died 8 years ago in an auto accident. Glancing through the cataloged list I see:

• Holy Family by Josef Ammann, wrought iron, 1998, purchased in Erfuhrt, Germany, July 2002.
  
• Nativity Figures by Kim Laurence, Christmas present for David, 1999.
  
• Papier mache and plastic, hand painted Fontinini. Italian. Gift from Donna's mother, 1974.
  
• Painting with cactus needle, Elvis Castillo, Mexico. Purchased in San Antonio, 2003.
  
• Straw Madonna Plaque, East Germany. Purchased York, England, 1989.
  
• Precious Moments, Cloth. Lil's Hallmark, 1986.
  
• Neapolitan Santons, Chalkware. Naples.
  
• Sarcophagus relief from Catacombs in Rome reproduction. Vatican Museum Shop, Rome 2003.
  
• Italian Crucifix, wood, 18th century. Colorado Springs, 1970.
  
• Miniature Pewter, Spoonbill Pewterers, Massachusetts. Purchased from Columbus Cancer Clinic Shop, 1987.
  
• Baby Jesus, redware, Ann Entis. A show of hands. 1988.
  
• Nativity plaque, enameled brass. Israel. 1987.
  
• Wire in Goose egg, Slovakia. FOTC convention, 2003.
  
• Holy Family Figurine, Christopher Radko, 2004. Curio Cabinet, 2004.
  
• Peaceable Kingdom Christmas Plate 1989, Edna Hibel. Gallery Art Center, 1991.
  
• Linen needlework, early 16th century in 19th century frame.
  
• Nativity figures, Kenyan soapstone. Imported by 10000 Villages, 2004.
  
• Peanuts Holy Family, Hallmark, 2001.
  
• Flight into Egypt, Peru, Ceramic. Augsburg, 1993.

And hundreds more. But each set and piece announced the first coming of Jesus in its own unique way. After the tour and our hosts' comments we gathered around Donna's kitchen table for wonderful homemade refreshments and memories appropriate for the season--and even the kitchen window spaces were filled with scenes of that first Christmas.