325 nativities on display in Park Ridge
Susan Greeley will be displaying her collection of 325 nativities from around this world this weekend in Park Ridge.
The eighth annual "Room at the Inn" nativity display will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at St. Matthew Center for Health, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, at 1601 Western Ave.
"I bought my first nativity scene in 1980 when I was living in Bogota, Colombia," Greeley said in a news release. Her collection has grown through gifts she receives and her own purchases. Almost every one of the nativities has some kind of story behind it. She will be present to answer questions.
"The set up actually takes longer than the number of hours the display is open," said Greeley. "But it's worth it to see the delight on people's faces, adults and children alike. It's such a wonderful feeling to know that other people are enjoying these crèches as much as we do."
Her husband, Rev. Jeff King, helps her put up the exhibit.
The tradition of the nativity scene, or crèche, dates back to 1223. St. Francis of Assisi is said to have been traveling to the Italian village of Greccio at the time, when the sight of shepherds in moonlit fields evoked images of the first Christmas. Inspired, he beckoned villagers that Christmas Eve to light the sky with their torches, bring their animals and re-enact the nativity.
During succeeding centuries, the tradition spread from Italy to the rest of Europe and beyond. Today, many Christian families annually display a crèche, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation.
The event is free. For information, call (847) 825-5531, or visit StMatthewCenter.org.