“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”
For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.
Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.
Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.
As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.
